A MAN has been killed in a horrific hit-and-run incident – the day before celebrating his birthday.
Paul Bonnar, 30, from the Inch area of Edinburgh, died after being struck by a stolen white Mitsubishi Evolution at around 1.30am yesterday. (Sun)
The high-powered car was stolen some time after 10.30 pm on Saturday from Brunswick Street in the city’s Leith area.
It is thought Mr Bonnar had an altercation with another man in the nearby Robin’s Nest pub a couple of hours before he was run over and killed on Walter Scott Avenue.
Mr Bonnar was due to celebrate his 31st birthday today (Mon) with his “devastated” family, including mum and dad Gerry and Maureen.
One local, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “It’s a terrible shame because Paul was a lovely guy. I heard he’d been in a fight with another guy in the pub a few hours before he was hit.
“I don’t know if that’s just coincidence, but it seems unlikely it’s not connected.”
Mr Bonnar’s death is being investigated by police who are still to declare the incident as a murder hunt.
Parents are ‘devastated’
Police positioned outside Mr Bonnar’s parents’ home said the couple were “naturally devastated” about their son’s death, and had asked for time to come to terms with their loss before making a statement.
And staff at the nearby Robin’s Nest pub admitted Mr Bonnar was a regular there, but refused to comment further.
The hit-and-run incident happened just yards from where Edinburgh dad Martyn Barclay was brutally gunned down last January.
Three people, including two women, are due to appear at Edinburgh’s Sheriff Court in connection with the shooting today. (Mon)
Police appeal for winesses
Inspector Andy Gilhooley, from Lothian and Borders Police, said: “Around 1.30am today (Sun 7th June), a man was knocked down and killed in Walter Scott Avenue.
“He is 30-year-old Paul Bonnar from the Gilmerton area.
“Police believe the vehicle responsible was a white Mitsubishi Evolution – registration P479CRN that was stolen some time after 10.30pm yesterday (Sat 6th June) from Brunswick Street in Leith.
“Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen the vehicle, or who has information regarding the identity of the driver.
“We are also making a special appeal to the driver of the vehicle to contact the police
“Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.”
