Seven people have been arrested as an investigation into a spate of attempted murders and a firebomb attack outside a Scottish prison continues.

Police Scotland officers, supported by the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, raided nine properties in Edinburgh, East Lothian and Midlothian on Tuesday.

The operation was linked to three attempted murders and a fire-raising incident.

The first attempted murder incident took place in Dalkeith’s Eskbank Road on 29 December 2022, where a 39-year-old man was attacked.

The second occurred in Edinburgh’s West Pilton Terrace on 5 January, where a 28-year-old man was injured, and the third happened in the capital’s Ferniehill Drive on 23 January, where a 30-year-old man was assaulted.

A number of vehicles were also set on fire within the car park of HMP Addiewell, West Lothian, on 7 January.

Five men, aged between 23 and 32, and a 16-year-old boy have been charged in connection with a series of offences.

A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal and the suspects are due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, a 23-year-old man was released pending further enquiries.

‘Extensive investigatory work’

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Petrie, of the Organised Crime and Counter Terrorism unit, said officers had shown “commitment to tackling violence”.

“This day of action has been the culmination of extensive investigatory work over a number of months,” he said.

“Throughout the investigation we have utilised detectives and specialists from across Police Scotland and we will continue to do so as our enquiries remain ongoing.”

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‘Come forward with information’

Superintendent Mark Rennie, who is responsible for operational policing within Edinburgh, said he wanted to “reassure” the public that officers are using “every tool and tactic at our disposal” to tackle violence in the city.

He added: “I would encourage members of the public with information, or any concerns, to come forward so we can take action.”

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