By Oliver Farrimond
POLICE have launched a full murder investigation after a Musselburgh man was stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Dennis Parker, 27, was stabbed through the heart by two masked attackers in what is believed to be a row over drug debts.
Parker, from Eskside West in Musselburgh, was in his flat with a male friend when two men wearing balaclavas burst in and attacked the pair.
Parker’s friend was also injured in the attack but stumbled outside to call for help shortly after 1am on Saturday morning.
Both were rushed for emergency treatment to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, where Parker died.
His friend – known locally as “Chalky” – was seriously injured but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
While police commence their hunt for the attackers, friends of Dennis said that drugs were to blame.
A friend, who did not wish to be named, said: “Wee Dennis had plenty of enemies – what we’re hearing is that this is over a debt or a bad deal.
“Dennis wouldn’t hurt anybody so he certainly didn’t deserve to be murdered.
“It’s all because of drugs and now he’s gone.”
The friend added: “He was well known in Musselburgh because he’d been here all his life.
“It’s a terrible way to go – I’d heard he’d been stabbed through the heart.”
Local postman Alex Coburn, 45, said: “It’s very disturbing.
“It is quiet quiet around here and this has come as a shock.”
Lothian and Borders Police are appealing to the public for information that could track down the attackers.
Forensics officers were seen combing the scene for vital clues on Saturday after sealing off the street, which overlooks the River Esk.
A Police spokesman said yesterday: “Two suspects wearing balaclavas attacked the victims in this brutal incident.”
Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 3113131 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111.
