Police are hunting for at least six men over the murder of a man.
A 25-year-old man was found dying in Abercorn Crescent, in the Duddingston area of Edinburgh, in the early hours of Sunday and another man was discovered injured nearby.
Police were initially called to reports of a road traffic accident at around 1am, but when they arrived they found a man lying fatally injured next to a smashed-up people carrier.
A second man was found bleeding heavily about a hour later in the same area of the city, although his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Both men were taken to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary but the 25-year-old later died, sparking a murder investigation by Police Scotland’s Edinburgh division.
The death is thought to be linked to a series of earlier incidents of speeding and erratic driving in the city, police said.
Detective superintendent Gary Flannigan, who is leading the investigation, said: “We have every reason to believe there was a series of related incidents involving two groups of black men who do not appear to be local to this area of Edinburgh and some of those involved may be seeking refuge and lying low.
“I would urge anyone who has information about any such individual or anyone who has unexplained injuries to let us know.”
A police spokeswoman would not confirm reports that firearms were involved but said officers are looking for at least six men in connection with the attack.
He added: “The first officers on the scene responded to reports of a road traffic accident in Abercorn Crescent.
“When they arrived they found a man outside the vehicle suffering from serious injuries. He was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died soon after arrival.
“A blue VW Sharan people carrier had crashed into railings on Abercorn Crescent and is extensively damaged.
“Around an hour later, in nearby Paisley Crescent, another man was found bleeding heavily from injuries. He was taken to hospital where he is receiving treatment for injuries which are not life threatening.”
An extensive cordon was erected around the scene and officers want to speak to any witnesses and particularly taxi drivers who were in the area and may have seen the people carrier or a silver or grey hatchback car police are trying to trace.
Chief Inspector Mark Patterson said: “I would like to reassure the public that incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Edinburgh.
“Additional policing resources are being made available and there will be extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community.
“I am afraid there will be disruption to traffic in the Willowbrae area of the city for the rest of the afternoon while we carry out inquiries. There are diversions in place and my officers will advise local residents of which roads are available for use.”