BLOODBATH AT THE BELLS

Slain gangster’s taunts to rivals before he was gunned down at NYE pub party

- ALAN MCEWEN

A CONVICTED gangland gunman was shot dead in Edinburgh while attending a New Year celebration in a pub.

Marc Webley, who was cleared at a High Court of two attempted murders last year, was gunned down shortly before midnight outside the Anchor Inn on Granton Road.

Armed police swooped on the scene while medics tended to the 38-year-old victim.

A murder probe was launched last night after the incident, which left another man seriously injured.

Police Scotland said the shooting appeared to be a "targeted incident" and appealed for witnesses.

Sources said Webley was partying with pals when it happened.

Days earlier, Webley had posted an expletive-ridden "come ahead" video aimed at rival gangland figures, where he declared: "Do I look scared?" It's understood Webley had told pals he was expecting an attack and had been carrying weapons wherever he went.

His older brother Don posted a picture of Marc on social media and followers offered their condolences. Don responded with heart emojis, The which appears to confirm his brother's death.