AN explosion in violence linked to an escalating Edinburgh turf war has sparked fears the feud could end in a gangland murder.
Insiders say attacks on kingpin Mark Richardson’s empire have caught police off-guard and they are battling to defuse the powderkeg.
Cops and firefighters at the site of Sunday’s garage inferno[/caption]
Sources have also claimed some of Richardson’s capital crew have been issued with Osman warnings – alerting them to a threat to life.
The disturbing claims emerged after a wave of firebomb attacks on properties, business and associates of the caged mob boss.
And it’s feared notorious hood Richardson will be plotting reprisals against the rival mob – who are said to have sparked mayhem over an alleged drug stash theft.
One source said: “Richardson can’t just sit back – this will only get worse and someone will get badly hurt.”
Sources have also claimed some of his gang have been issued with Osman warnings.
Last night one underworld source told how the turf war “escalated” quickly within the last few weeks.
An insider said: “This has all escalated really quickly and the cops are finding it difficult to keep up or get a breakthrough as no one is talking.
“There have been rumours that Richardson’s pals’ houses have been targeted but this has not been reported to the police.
“If things keep going the way they are it will only be a matter of time before someone is killed.
“Detectives are working hard but so far haven’t arrested anyone. They’ll be keen to make a move soon to show they haven’t lost control.
“It’s also been said that some of Richardson’s close pals and family have been given threat to life warning.”
We first revealed a bitter war had erupted when a hooded yob was caught on camera launching a burning missile into Belle Cheveux beauty salon run by Richardson’s partner Stephanie Dignan on Thursday, March 6.
Another building linked to her dad Steven Dignan in Musselburgh, East Lothian was set on fire just days later.
Then early on Sunday morning a business understood to be run by Dignan was also set alight – its roof completely destroyed by the massive inferno.
We also told how a feared crony of cocaine kingpin Richardson, 37, fled an armed thug as part of the escalating turf war.
Underworld sources told how enforcer David Togher, 39, ran for his life when confronted in the street by a rival hood.
Meanwhile a house belonging to a Richardson relative in the capital’s Niddrie was smashed up and a Range Rover was driven into the nearby home of one of his associates, it is claimed.
Two weeks ago police officers appealed for help finding the driver of a vehicle that had been pursued by traffic cops after being spotted near Dignan’s home.
It was found later dumped in the tough Granton area of the capital.
However, it’s understood there is no evidence to suggest the pursuit was linked to the ongoing chaos.
Richardson, 37, was recently moved from HMP Glenochil, near Alloa, to Low Moss nick in Bishopbriggs, near Glasgow.
He was caged for eight years, nine months in 2018 after he admitted having a Glock gun as part of a £200million supergang.
Another 18 months was later tacked on over a high-speed car chase with cops in 2016.
Police Scotland spokesman said of Sunday’s fire: “There are no reports of any injuries. Inquiries are ongoing.”
Richardson’s friends and family have also reportedly been warned over their safety[/caption]
The aftermath of an attack on a beauty salon with links to Richardson[/caption]
