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By Lauren Crooks
A MAN has been gunned down in the street outside a popular casino.
The 62-year-old was shot in the head by an unknown gunman after leaving the Maybury Casino in Edinburgh on Tuesday night.
After leaving his victim in a pool of blood, the attacker fled the scene and although he was chased by several members of the public, managed to escape.
Paramedics rushed the wounded man to hospital where he received emergency treatment and police say his injuries are not life-threatening.
The scene at South Maybury Road was quickly cordoned off as officers examined the scene for clues to trace the culprit, dressed all in black.
A large spray of blood was clearly visible just yards from the casino entrance this morning.
Lothian and Borders Police are now trying to reassure residents and appeal for witnesses to come forward and help them find the gunman.
But yesterday neighbours spoke of their fright after finding out about the violent attack.
Senga Anderson, who lives just 100 metres from the casino, said she had no idea anything had happened until she saw the police in the morning.
She said: “I was at home at the time, but because of the noise from the busy junction I don’t necessarily hear everything that goes on at the casino.
“It’s really scary to think this can happen so close to your own home. If it had been a fight or something like that it would be different but to have a gun used is really quite frightening.”
And Mrs Anderson – who has lived next to the casino with her husband for 27 years – added: “There’s never been any trouble in the past so when I woke up this morning to see the police I was very shocked.”
Police were called just after midnight after reports of a shooting at the famous casino.
It is understood the man was approached by a younger male who brandished a gun at him before shooting him in the head.
An ambulance was called and the man was taken to hospital with head injuries that are not life-threatening.
Members of the public chased the gunman as he tried to flee the scene towards the city’s Turnhouse Road, but they were unable to catch up with him.
Police won’t confirm what kind of gun was used in the attack, but have appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Inspector Robert Deas, who is leading the investigation, said: “This was an extremely serious incident and we are appealing to the public for any information that can help us track down the suspect.
“Although there were a number of witnesses, we still want to speak to people who were in the vicinity of the casino last night. We also want to speak to anyone who recognises the description of the suspect, and may have seen him either before or after the shooting happened.
“We would urge anyone who has information that can help us identify the man responsible to get in touch immediately.”
The suspect is described as white, 23 to 25-years-old, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 11ins tall, with a skinny build, and wearing a dark coloured baseball cap, dark coloured jacket and trousers.
DI Deas added: “This investigation is still at an early stage but we are following a positive line of inquiry.
“This kind of crime is rare in Edinburgh and I would urge residents not to worry but to get in touch immediately if they hear of anything suspicious.”
