Firebombing at Glasgow Garage Connected to Gangland Feud
A firebombing incident at a Glasgow garage, previously the site of a notorious gangland murder, has been associated with an ongoing conflict between organised crime groups.
Emergency services responded to reports of a van and two cars ablaze at Lambhill Motors on Balmore Road in the north of Glasgow at approximately 01:30 on Tuesday.
The garage, formerly known as Applecross Motors, was the location where 21-year-old Michael Lyons was fatally shot in 2006, with two others sustaining injuries.
Stabbing Incident Hours Before Fire
The fire occurred hours after a stabbing incident involving a 31-year-old man in Musselburgh. Both events are reportedly under investigation by detectives from Operation Portaledge, which was established last year following an increase in gangland violence.
The stabbing took place on Drummohr Avenue in Musselburgh at about 23:15. The victim was seriously injured.
A Police Scotland spokesperson stated: "A 31-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment.
"Two men, aged 38 and 43, were arrested in connection and inquiries are ongoing."
Subsequently, emergency services attended the garage fire, successfully extinguishing the blaze. No injuries were reported in this incident.
Historical Context of the Garage and Gang Feud
The 2006 gangland attack at Applecross Motors was perpetrated by members of the Daniels gang, who had been engaged in a feud with the Lyons family for over 25 years.
Hitmen Raymond Anderson and James McDonald received 35-year prison sentences each for their involvement in the killing.
During the attack, crime boss Steven Lyons was wounded, and another individual, Robert Pickett, sustained serious injuries.
Currently, Steven Lyons is in custody in Indonesia following a recent arrest and is anticipated to be extradited to Spain to face charges.
Operation Portaledge and the Broader Gang Violence
Operation Portaledge is the ongoing investigation into a series of retaliatory violent acts across Glasgow and Edinburgh, initiated in March of the previous year.
The conflict reportedly began due to a dispute between Ross McGill, then residing in Dubai, and Edinburgh-based Mark Richardson over a drug deal involving counterfeit banknotes.
Although the feud originated in the east of Scotland, it soon extended westward, involving members and associates of both the Lyons and Daniels families in multiple incidents.
In September, four prominent Scottish gangland figures—Steven Lyons, Ross McGill, Stephen Jamieson, and Steven Larwood—were arrested in Dubai.
Stephen Jamieson was subsequently extradited to Scotland and is now facing proceedings in the High Court.
The other individuals were released and instructed to leave the United Arab Emirates, with Steven Lyons later being arrested in Bali.
