Detectives investigating the murder of a 25 year-old man in Edinburgh at the weekend have appealed for information about a vehicle which was involved in the incident.
They are keen to hear from people in the Gracemount area of the city who may have seen a VW Sharan late on Saturday night or in the very early hours of Sunday.
Mohammed Abdi, who had been shot, was found fatally injured lying close to the crashed blue people carrier just after 1am on Sunday 26 May 2013. He was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died soon after.
Officers now believe the vehicle may have been in the vicinity of Captain’s Drive on Saturday during the evening, up to midnight.
Det Supt Gary Flannigan of the major investigation team of the Specialist Crime Division of Police Scotland, who is leading the inquiry, said: “I previously said that we thought there had been a number of related incidents earlier in Saturday evening. I now believe one of these incidents may have centred around Captain’s Drive.
“It may have a significant part to play in our inquiry and I am urging anyone who saw a blue VW Sharan in that area on Saturday evening or heard a disturbance anytime between 10.30pm and midnight to contact us. We have released an image of a similar vehicle in the hope that it will jog people’s memories.
“It may be the case the Mr Abdi was also in or close to Captain’s Drive on Saturday evening. We have had a report of damage to a house in Captain’s Drive and we are investigating the cause of that damage.
“It is a time of night when people may have been returning to their homes after being out for the evening and taxi drivers may have been dropping off or collecting fares. I would appeal to them and anyone else who may have any information to come forward.”
The VW Sharan smashed into railing on Abercorn Avenue, in the Willowbrae area of Edinburgh, around 1am on Sunday. Officers who attended found the seriously injured Mr Abdi lying on the road.
Detectives, who believe two groups of between six and ten black men were involved in related incidents in the hours prior to the murder, continue to appeal for sightings of a silver or grey hatchback style car which may have been in the Abercorn Avenue/ Paisley Drive vicinity around that time.
Police officers continue to carry out high visibility patrols in both the Willowbrae and Gracemount areas providing reassurance to the local communities and addressing any of their concerns.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson said: “These patrols will remain in place for the next few days at least and members of the public are encouraged to approach these officers if they want to pass on any information or raise any concerns.
“I appreciate the support these communities are giving the Police, and while there has been some disruption to their lives, there are no signs of this incident impacting on the general public.”
Mr Abdi’s father, Omar, has asked Police Scotland to issue the following statement on his behalf.
“Mohammed was my son and a much-loved member of the family.
“We have all been left devastated by his death and we want those responsible to be brought to justice so we can fully begin to grieve.
“I would ask anyone who knows anything about his murder to go to the police immediately.
” In order that we can mourn our loss, I would ask that the family’s privacy is respected at this time.”
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