Man who starred in Trainspotting 2 shot dead in Edinburgh's West End
Last updated 18th Apr 2019
An Edinburgh man who starred in Trainspotting 2 has been shot dead close to his home in the Capital's upmarket West End,
Bradley Welsh, who also appeared on an episode of Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men, was killed on Chester Street at around 8pm on Wednesday (April 17).
Police say he died at the scene and inquiries are continuing.
Officers are stepping up patrols to provide reassurance and forensic teams spent the night combing the scene for clues.
Welsh, 42, starred alongside Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle in T2 Trainspotting, playing gangland figure Mr Doyle.
He was friends with author, Irvine Welsh who tweeted: "Bradley John Welsh, my heart is broken. Goodbye my amazing and beautiful friend.
"Thanks for making me a better person and helping me to see the world in a kinder and wiser way."
Bradley Welsh was involved in charity projects in Edinburgh, including helping young people stay away from a life of crime through his Holyrood Boxing Gym.
Tributes were paid on social media, with one woman posting a picture of her and friends alongside Welsh in a boxing ring.
She said: You to me are treasure, you to me are dear. Our coach, our motivator but most importantly our friend, Brad Welsh.''
One man described Welsh as a "huge character'' in Edinburgh.
He said: "Devastating news about Brad Welsh tonight, a huge character in Scottish amateur boxing and the Hibernian support and someone who contributed a great deal to society through his charitable work and boxing gym. RIP.''
Writing on social media, local resident Alasdair Morton said armed police were all over'' the area.
He tweeted: "Armed police all over Chester street. Road closed off.
"We have been told to go inside. Before doing so we heard the police say to the National incident response unit - gunshot would (sic) to the head.''
Police confirmed on Thursday that a murder inquiry had been launched.
They said formal identification has still to take place but the victim is believed to be Welsh, 48, who lived nearby.
Trainspotting 2 author Irvine Welsh is among those who have paid tribute to the actor, describing him as his "amazing'' friend.
Police said the death is being treated as murder, with early investigations suggesting it was an isolated attack.
Detective Superintendent Allan Burton said: "At this time our deepest sympathies are with this man's family and a significant inquiry is now under way to trace everyone who was involved in the murder.
"I would ask that anyone who was within Chester Street or the west end of Edinburgh on Wednesday evening, and who saw anyone, or anything suspicious, to contact the police immediately.
"Part of this investigation will focus on obtaining CCTV from nearby homes and businesses and we would also urge any motorists who were in the area and may have relevant dash-cam footage to share this with us.
"Murders remain extremely rare in the capital, and such incidents where a firearm are used are even more uncommon.
"However, we wish to reassure the public that considerable resources are being dedicated to this inquiry and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness."