News Story

Four more arrests have been made in a police operation to tackle a gang feud, despite a “resolution of differences” being declared in July.

Officers detained four men in Bellshill and Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, in recent days.

A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with a disturbance in Kirkintilloch on August 18, and wilful fire-raising in the town on August 22.

Another 21-year-old man was arrested and charged in relation the same wilful fire-raising.

A 29-year-old man was arrested and charged after a vehicle hit a property on Low Borland Way in Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire on August 21.

A 31-year-old man was arrested and charged in connection with the wilful fire-raising of a car on Crowhill Street in Glasgow on April 6.

The arrests were made as part of Operation Portaledge, which was set up by police to tackle an ongoing gang feud blighting central Scotland, taking the total number to 81.

An update to the Scottish Police Authority by Chief Constable Jo Farrell in July said there had been a “resolution of differences”, though incidents appear to have continued.

Four stolen vehicles were also recovered during this week’s raids, and “significant” inquiries are continuing.

Detective Chief Inspector David Lamont said: “Today’s operation is the result of extensive work by a dedicated team of detectives, following a series of incidents across Glasgow last month.

“This day of action should send a clear message to those involved in this type of criminality, that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“These incidents had the potential to have much more serious consequences, and I want to be absolutely clear this type of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“Significant inquiries remain ongoing in relation to all of these incidents and we will continue to draw on detectives and specialist resources to identify anyone else involved.”