A GUN attack at a house sparked the closure of one of Scotland’s busiest roads, police have revealed.
Police closed both lanes of the A8 between Edinburgh Airport and the M9 for several hours as they scoured the area for clues.
Commuters reported traffic at a standstill on all major routes to the west of the city and Edinburgh Airport warned travellers to allow extra time for their journeys.
Reports came in from a number of residents in Ratho Station, on the Western outskirts of Edinburgh of several shots fired at around 9.30 on Monday night from a property next to the A8 route.
No-one was injured in the incident and it remains unclear whether the shooting involved vehicles on the A8.
Following a probe police said they believed a “firearm was discharged and this was not a random act.”
A police spokesman said “a detailed search of the area” was being carried out.
“Police Scotland apologises for the disruption to traffic, which will result from this road closure and urges motorists to seek alternative routes for their morning journeys,” he added.
Superintendent Matt Richards, of Police Scotland, said a team of officers were patroling the area.
He also made an appeal for information to help with police investigations.
He said: “This incident took place close to one of the main routes to and from Edinburgh.
“It is always busy with passing traffic.
“I would appeal to any member of the public, either locally, or who may have been passing through Ratho Station at or around 9.30pm last night and who saw anything to contact us urgently.
“It is imperative that we trace the individual involved in this incident, which thankfully did not result in any injuries.
“The consequences of a weapon being discharged in the manner which happened last night may have been extremely serious.
“We believe that a firearm was discharged and that this was not a random act.
“We are keen to speak to any member of the public who saw or heard anything suspicious, or who thinks they may have information about those responsible.
“Anyone with any information can contact the 101 Police number or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
“Uniformed officers are in the area to provide extra patrols to support the local community.”
Police said the search would take several hours but they hoped to have the road opened by mid-morning.
A spokesman for Edinburgh Airport predicted that passengers would “inevitably” miss flights.
“We are advising passengers travelling to the airport from any direction to leave in plenty of time so that they can make it to the airport on time.”
“Passengers travelling from the west should stick to the M8 all the way to Hermiston Gait and follow signs from their to Gogar Roundabout and then on to the airport from this direction.
“We understand that inevitably people will miss their flights, but if passengers are worried we would advise them to contact their airlines.”
