CCTV captures gang conflict thugs firebombing Land Rover in broad daylight assault

Four men pleaded guilty to wilful fire raising after CCTV captured them torching a Land Rover and Audi in Edinburgh’s Morningside and setting fire to a Glasgow taxi firm in coordinated attacks linked to organised crime.

Disturbing video footage has revealed the terrifying moment criminal gang members set a Land Rover ablaze outside an upmarket residence last May.

Kieran Abercrombie, 32, and Robert Thomson, 18, plotted with accomplices to “identify and damage properties and motor vehicles associated with Mark Richardson” using messaging platforms WhatsApp and Signal.

The duo, along with Kenzie Gardner, 19, torched Glasgow cab company Deuce Private Hire on May 8.

The same trio, joined by Tyler Ramage, 19, then incinerated both a Land Rover and an Audi stationed outside a property belonging to one of Richardson’s close associates in Edinburgh’s affluent Morningside district on the identical date.

Footage released by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service depicts the white Land Rover Defender being soaked in petrol before a masked individual ignites it whilst parked on the driveway of Pitcairn Grove.

The clip captures a horrifying blast beneath the front bonnet with flames erupting from the motor, reports the Daily Record.

Additional footage reveals a figure in a black balaclava and dark jacket fleeing the scene as the vehicle becomes engulfed in fire.

These incidents occurred during a bitter feud between the competing Daniel, Lyons and Richardson criminal organisations operating across Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Operation Portaledge was initiated in response to this gang conflict.

During Thursday’s court proceedings, Lord Mulholland was presented with video evidence showing Thomson dousing two vehicles with petrol outside the residence. CCTV footage showed Thomson and Ramage – both masked – carrying out the brazen daylight assaults.

Prosecutor Margaret Barron revealed: “One of the occupants placed a 999 call reporting that the cars had been firebombed and expressing fear that there would be an explosion.

“Mr Thomson communicated with his mother the following day sending screenshots of social media posts in connection with the fire, and making reference to ‘Tamo Junto’ – a social media account which had been the source of a series of social media posts regarding the ongoing feud.”

The four men appeared before the court where it emerged Abercrombie, Thomson and Gardner torched the building housing the taxi firm whilst two workers were going about their duties.

Thomson, Gardner, and Ramage admitted guilt to charges including wilful fire raising and conspiracy before Lord Mulholland.

The offences to which the quartet confessed were made more serious by connections to “serious organised crime “.

The gang warfare exploded in March after Ross McGill and his Tamo Junto (TMJ) began targeting Edinburgh drugs kingpin Mark Richardson’s operation over a cocaine stash bought with counterfeit banknotes.

The Daniel clan in Glasgow found themselves in the crosshairs due to their links with Richardson.

Steven Lyons, who had been feuding with the Daniel clan for more than 25 years, subsequently started assisting McGill with intelligence.

Petrol bomb attacks and machete incidents have diminished since the killing of Eddie Lyons Jnr and Ross Monaghan. Operation Portaledge, led by Police Scotland, has resulted in 63 arrests and several substantial prison sentences.

Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry, Specialist Crime Division, stated: “These were concerning incidents for the local community and now those responsible will face the consequences of their actions.

“I want to make it clear to those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime that we will not give up and you will be brought to justice.

“These convictions are further examples of Police Scotland’s commitment to the Serious and Organised Crime Taskforce and its national strategy”.

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