POLICE are investigating the suspicious death of a man who locals believe may have been shot in a block of flats.
Officers discovered the man’s body at Hawkhill Close in Edinburgh’s Leith area at 8.15pm on Tuesday evening.
The block of flats was cordoned off while forensic officers scoured the area.
Residents at the six-floor block of flats were not allowed to leave the building until around 11am this morning.
Locals reported hearing “bangs going off” on the evening of the man’s death.
Lothian and Borders Police said today they believe the man who died was in his 30s.
Residents spoke of their fear the incident could happen so close to Christmas.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: “A resident email was sent out to us all by the police just saying there was a serious incident and that the car park was closed.
“Forensics appeared this morning in the white suits and have been going in and out all morning.
“I think the road was closed off between 12 and two last night. It’s just so scary to think a murder could have happened here.
“Especially with all the families here, and so close to Christmas.”
One man, who also asked not to be named, said he had heard that a gun had been shot before police were called.
He said: “Police were here at 7.30pm last night but when I came back from work it was all cordoned off.
“I heard nobody is allowed in or out of block 15.
“Some people said they heard a bang go off early evening, so someone could’ve been shot.”
Anna Chmurzymski, 34, said: “I went to bed last night about nine so didn’t notice anything until this morning.
“It could be a murder. I’ve got kids, it’s just so scary.”
Another neighbour added: “It’s so shocking to hear something like this has happened.
“There are some dodgy parties here but nothing serious has happened every before.
“Not a death or anything it’s so crazy.”
One man who lives in the flat opposite, said: “I heard there was a murder but that’s all I know.
“About two years ago, a guy was killed not far from here outside a chip shop.
“But god, to happen again is just so scary.
“The police aren’t telling me anything, I asked but they are playing it down. I guess not to worry us.”
Another woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I saw a lot of commotion last night with police arriving but I still don’t know what happened.
“Rumors are going about that a guy was shot but I really don’t want to believe it. I live here with my two young boys and to know that murders are happening right across the street is terrifying.”
A Lothian and Borders Police spokesman said: “Police were called to a block of flats in Hawkhill Close around 8.15pm yesterday evening, where they discovered the body of a man within a property.”
Superintendent Matt Richards, from Lothian and Borders Police, said:
“At this time we are at an early stage of our enquiries, however the man’s death is being treated as suspicious.
“Officers are carrying out forensic enquiries at the scene, and the building has been cordoned off to allow for this to happen.
“We are also carrying out door-to-door enquiries in the local area, as well as looking at CCTV footage.
“Officers will be carrying out high-visibility patrols in the local area in the coming days in order to provide reassurance to local people, however there is not believed to be any risk to the public at large.
“We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Hawkhill Close yesterday evening, who saw or heard anything suspicious, to contact police as a matter of urgency.
“Likewise, anyone else who has any information that can assist our enquiries should also come forward.”
Anyone with information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
