Appeals for witnesses following alleged drugs feud killing

The parents of a man shot dead in the south of Edinburgh have appealed for witnesses as local reports indicate that he was caught up in an Edinburgh drugs feud.

A 26 year-old father-of-one, Martyn Barclay was found in the early hours of Saturday 17 January near his home on Hazelwood Grove in the Inch.

Although Mr Barclay was alive when he was discovered by a passer by, he died in the capital's Western General Hospital later that evening from a gunshot wound to the head.

In a joint statement, Mr Barclay’s parents, whose names have not been released, said: “We are all absolutely devastated by Martyn's death, and we are still struggling to comprehend what has happened.

"Martyn was a loving father, brother and grandson, and as a son he will be sorely missed. His death has not only affected his close family, but the extended family as well.

"His loss will be greatly felt by all who knew him.

"Whoever carried out this attack needs to be brought to justice, and we are appealing for anyone who has any information that can help the police to come forward immediately."

The statement continues: "Finding whoever did this to our son will not bring Martyn back, but it will help us to come to terms with his loss. At this time we are struggling as a family to come to terms with his death, and we would ask to be left alone to grieve for our son in peace."

Police have increased their presence in the area in the aftermath of the shooting, and high-visibility patrols consisting of both police and members of the local community have been deployed. A poster campaign has also been launched to try and gather more information on the incident.

Although police have refused to comment on specifics of their enquiry, the Evening News has alleged that the killing was part of a local drugs war. The paper also indicated that Mr Barclay had been warned by local police that he may be in danger because of previous relationships engaged in by his girlfriend. However, evidence has yet to be produced to substantiate either allegation, but the paper has claimed that locals had warned that problems over drug dealing in the area had been mounting.

Chief Inspector Donnie Mackinnon, from Lothian and Borders Police, said that he was pleased with the public response to the forces enquiries.

"The response we have had from the local community has been very positive, and we are grateful to people for their patience as we carry out our enquiries," Chief Inspector Mackinnon said.

"At this time I would like to reassure people that incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Edinburgh, and that there is no immediate threat to the public at large."

In a further development, however, the victim's girlfriend has since been rushed to hospital, as the investigation into Mr Barclay's murder enters its second week.

Ms Igoe was taken to the emergency room early on Thursday 22 January, for unknown reasons. The part-time model who has allegedly posed for FHM, took the news of her boyfriend’s death terribly, according to the Evening News.

A friend apparently told the paper: “You only have to put yourself in her position to imagine how she’s feeling.”

The Evening News has it that although her condition is as yet unknown, a family member did say that she is “doing fine”.