A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of William Watson, known as Billy, who was killed in a suspected shooting at a house in West Lothian. The 35-year-old died at the scene of the incident on Harestanes Road, Armadale, after police received a report of an injured man at approximately 11:50 on Saturday, 12 September 2026.
Police Scotland has characterised the killing as a targeted attack and confirmed that inquiries remain ongoing. A postmortem examination is scheduled to take place, and the death is currently being treated as suspicious. According to reports from the incident, there is no immediate danger to the wider community and the attack has been described as isolated.
Investigators have also been examining whether two fires that occurred on the same day were connected to the shooting. A car fire broke out in nearby Netherhouses, and a separate fire was reported at a derelict house on Wotherspoon Crescent. According to emergency service reports, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that nobody was injured in either of the fires.
What police have said about the investigation
Det Supt Michelle Findlay, from Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team, expressed her sympathies to Watson's family and friends. She stated:
Specialist officers are supporting them as we continue to try to get answers about what happened. We've been carrying out extensive inquiries, including door-to-door in the area, CCTV review and forensic analysis.
Supt Jocelyn Thomas sought to reassure the local community about the nature of the incident. He said:
We understand the local community is concerned by what has happened, however we believe this was a targeted attack. I want to reassure everyone, these incidents are rare. An increased police presence will remain in the area as we continue our inquiries and anyone with concerns can speak to these officers.
How can the public help?
Police Scotland is appealing for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have other relevant details. According to police statements, officers are continuing their inquiries, including forensic analysis, CCTV checks and door-to-door work in the area. A dedicated online portal has been established for members of the public to submit information, and anyone with concerns can speak directly to the increased police presence that will remain in the area.
Key facts
- William Watson, 35, died from a suspected gunshot wound on Harestanes Road, Armadale, on Saturday, 12 September 2026
- A 57-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death
- Police are treating the incident as a targeted attack with no wider threat to the community
- Two fires on the same day in nearby locations are being investigated for possible links to the shooting
- The incident prompted a major emergency response with forensic officers and cordons in place
