Drug gang 'killed dad in feud over missing heroin'

A MAN stabbed to death in front of his girlfriend and two children is rumoured to have been killed by gang members over a missing stash of heroin.

Sean Hay is understood to have been killed by a single knife wound after being attacked in Wardieburn Street West on Tuesday night by three men.

Mr Hay is said to have only moved back into Granton a few months ago after a period staying with his pregnant girlfriend, Bonnie, and her family in Leith.

Police have refused to comment on reports Mr Hay, also known as Sean Black, was a heroin user.

But sources in the community believe he was targeted by a gang after nine ounces of heroin, worth several thousand pounds, vanished a week ago.

The three young men attacked Mr Hay at 10.30pm on Tuesday as he walked home with his girlfriend and two children. The victim died later in hospital from his injuries.

One local resident said: "I don't believe they meant to kill him. I think they were told to make an example. It's horrible that it ended like this, especially in front of the children."

Another source close to the gang said: "This was a feud which first started a year ago and it all blew up again and this is what ultimately happened. Most people don't believe they set out to kill him as he was stabbed only once. I don't think it will take police long to pick them up."

Police were unable to confirm reports that Mr Hay was due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court for sentencing on charges of possession with intent to supply drugs.

Mr Hay, who has a number of relatives who live in the streets surrounding the murder scene, had been the subject of threats by the dealers, according to people in the community. Detectives admitted that threats had been made against Mr Hay but refused to comment on an alleged drug feud.

It is understood that officers have conducted at least one raid in the area since the stabbing.

Police are also investigating the chilling message found by the Evening News scrawled on his girlfriend's flat door in Wardieburn Place West which read, "Your dead SB". Neighbours said they heard the sound of the door of the flat being kicked on Tuesday night.

CID officers were last night continuing visits to flats in the streets around the crime scene, including some of Mr Hay's relatives.

One man, who said he was Mr Hay's second cousin would not comment on those who may have been behind the stabbing. He said: "This did not need to happen. The police never do anything about what happens round here."

Mr Hay's distraught girlfriend has been taken into protection to ensure her safety while the investigation continues. Last night, two police cars and a pair of police vans were sitting close to the murder scene in a bid to reassure the community.

Forth councillor Elizabeth Maginnis said: "I hope this isn't a return to the tit for tat violence of ten years ago. I know there are still a lot of problems with drugs in the area but I wasn't aware we were back to the gang violence of a decade ago.

"As far as investment goes the Royston Wardieburn area has missed out completely in the last ten years, and I would say it has never looked worse. On the TV you could see grass in gardens knee high, and that is a typical picture for the area. I thought progress was being made and I hope it doesn't go back to how it was."