THE number of people charged as part of investigations into a suspected Scottish gang war has hit 50, police have said.
Officers said on Friday that an 18-year-old man is the latest person to be arrested and charged in connection with Operation Portaledge, the ongoing investigation into violent incidents in the east and west of the country.
The spate of violent incidents, including shootings, firebombings and assaults, began in Edinburgh and the east of Scotland in March, but spread to the Glasgow region in April and May.
The 18-year-old has been arrested and charged in connection with alleged wilful fire-raisings at three properties in Edinburgh – on Pitcairn Grove, Prestonfield Crescent and Niddrie Marischal Crescent – on Thursday April 17, police said.
He is expected to appear in court in due course.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell announced the 49th arrest in Operation Portaledge on Thursday, during a meeting of the Scottish Police Authority in Edinburgh.
In her report for the SPA, the chief constable also reiterated that Scottish police believe there is nothing to suggest that the deaths of two men in Spain are linked to recent incidents in Scotland.
The two men, understood to be Eddie Lyons Junior and Ross Monaghan, died after a gunman opened fire outside Monaghans Bar in Fuengirola, Malaga, on May 31.
The chief constable’s report states: “Police Scotland is supporting Spanish police following the fatal shootings in Fuengirola.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest these deaths are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland being investigated as part of Operation Portaledge or that the shooting was planned within Scotland.”
A man has been arrested in Liverpool in connection with the deaths in Malaga.
The 44-year-old man appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday June 14 and has been remanded in custody, police said.
