Cops continue hunt for masked gang after machete attack on Edinburgh kingpin Mark Richardson's pal
Cops are continuing their hunt for a masked gang following a "machete attack" on Edinburgh's cocaine kingpin Mark Richardson's close friend at his home in the capital.
On March 22 at 9.20pm, David McMillan was rushed to hospital and treated for serious injuries after the incident at his home on Pitcairn Grove.
The attack has been confirmed to be linked to the gangland wars that have erupted across Scotland, reports The Daily Record.
READ MORE: Edinburgh takeaway up in flames as emergency services race to scene
READ MORE: Edinburgh police swoop on city centre as busy road cordoned off by officers
Police are treating the incident as attempted murder as they continue their hunt for four balaclava-wearing men in dark clothing who remain at large.
It is believed that the men got out of a grey-coloured Land Rover Discovery and assaulted 54-year-old McMillan before fleeing the scene.
Subsequent inquiries have established the Land Rover Discovery travelled eastbound along the M8.
A source told the Record: 'David saw a gang of four guys outside his house.
'So he went out to confront them along with a security guy he's employed to help his wife feel safer.
'He managed to hit one about the head and wrestled a phone from him. The attackers were trying to film it.
'David was then hit in the skull with the machete which left an open wound. Nothing life threatening though. But he and his minder then still managed to chase them away. David then drove himself to the hospital. When cops on patrol realised it was him they escorted him to hospital with their blue lights on so they could jump the traffic lights.'
Officers are appealing to any drivers on the M8 on the night to contact them.
Detective Superintendent Paul Grainger said: 'This has been a targeted attack and we are continuing our enquiries to identify those responsible.
'We know the Land Rover Discovery drove along the M8 eastbound last night. It may have been driven at speed or erratically so I would appeal to any motorists with dash cams to check their footage as the images could be significant to our investigation.
'If anyone has any information regarding this crime, please contact us.'
Earlier this year, violence erupted in the capital after Dubai-based Mr Big - recently unmasked as former Rangers ultra and Union Bears boss Ross McGill - was ripped off in a £500,000 cocaine deal by kingpin Richardson's cronies.
It is understood his foot-soldiers used fake cash during a botched deal.
Ever since, gangster Mr Big has been targeting the homes, properties and businesses of Richardson's associates.
It is the third time McMillan has been targeted in recent weeks.
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On April 17, two masked thugs set fire to McMillan's front door while children slept inside. The culprits torched the property before fleeing the scene.
Just three weeks later on May 8, a white Land Rover SUV in his driveway went up in flames after his family returned home from a shopping trip.
Shocking images of the charred wreckage showed a scorched baby seat in the back of the burnt-out vehicle.
Cops arrested and charged three men aged 18 and one aged 31 with fire-raising at the home.
The latest attack comes just three days after two men were injured in a separate machete attack at a garage owned by Glasgow crime clan member Robert Daniel.
The violent incident took place outside the 50-year-old's CS Accident repair shop in East Kilbride on Monday. Two men, aged 41 and 45, were injured in the incident.
The Record understands Robert was the intended victim as his family have been targeted over their association with Richardson.
Cops have committed to coming down hard on those involved in the violence in an investigation, known as Operation Portaledge, which has seen multiple properties smashed into during dawn raids at homes in Glasgow, Hamiltonhill, Milton of Campsie and Wishaw.
A total of 41 people have been arrested in the Glasgow and Edinburgh regions amid the wide-ranging probe.
Police Scotland Chief Constable Jo Farrell said the investigation is a priority for forensics teams.
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