FORTY-TWO people have now been arrested as police continue investigations into a suspected gang feud, with more than 8000 homes visited during inquiries.
A 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.
Police said in one incident, a home in Milton, Glasgow, was allegedly broken into, and a 12-year-old child and a 72-year-old woman were attacked. They were treated in hospital.
Targets have included homes and businesses, police previously said.
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said on May 21 that 35 people had been arrested.
On Friday, police revealed a further seven people have since been arrested.
In the latest arrest, police executed a warrant during the evening of May 29 and detained a 20-year-old man who was later charged in connection with alleged fire-raising in Glasgow on May 13.
He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on May 30 in connection with the incident in Drumchapel Road, police said.
A dedicated team of officers from the Specialist Crime Division, with support from regional divisions across Scotland, are continuing to work together to gather evidence and reassure the public with intelligence-led patrols.
The investigation, named Operation Portaledge, has so far seen more than 8000 homes visited and 1600 vehicles stopped as officers continue to gather information.
Meanwhile, police this week said there is “no intelligence” to suggest the deaths of two Scots in a Spanish bar are linked to the recent criminal attacks in Scotland’s central belt.
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 Saturday.
Speaking about Operation Portaledge on Friday, Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry said: “I want to be clear that violence will not be tolerated, and we will not stop until we bring those responsible to justice.
“We are still following positive lines of inquiry, and this arrest (on May 29) highlights our continued resolve to target organised crime.
“The support of our communities remains vital, and I want to again express my sincere thanks to the public for their continued help and information so far.
“If you know anything that could assist our ongoing investigation, please do the right thing and speak to us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0562 of March 21. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, and information can be given anonymously.
