Gunman hunt after shots near Edinburgh Airport

The normally congested A8 at Edinburgh Airport. Picture: TSPL

Police Scotland said it was “imperative” the assailant was caught as forensic officers combed the outside of the house and the surrounding area.

The force said it believed “a firearm was discharged and this was not a random act” in the incident on the A8 at Ratho Station village.

No one was injured in the incident.

The A8 was closed between Edinburgh Airport and the M8/M9 Newbridge roundabout from 9:30pm on Monday, causing rush hour chaos this morning.

Police said the the eastbound carriageway of the A8 re-opened shortly after 10am and the westbound carriageway about one-a-half hours later.

A force spokesman said yesterday: “Officers responded to initial reports of shots at a property adjacent to the main arterial A8 route at around 9:30pm last night.

“An investigation was immediately launched which resulted in the A8 being closed in both directions between Newbridge roundabout and Edinburgh Airport to allow a detailed search and inquiries to be carried out.

Superintendent Matt Richards, of Police Scotland, said: “This incident took place close to one of the main routes to and from Edinburgh. It is always busy with passing traffic.

“I would appeal to any member of the public, either locally, or who may have been passing through Ratho Station at or around 9:30pm last night and who saw anything to contact us urgently.

“It is imperative we trace the individual involved in this incident, which thankfully did not result in any injuries.

“The consequences of a weapon being discharged in the manner which happened last might may have been extremely serious.

“We believe that a firearm was discharged and that this was not a random act.

“We are keen to speak to any member of the public who saw or heard

anything suspicious, or who thinks they may have information about those responsible.

“Uniformed officers are in the area to provide extra patrols to support the local community.”