Trainspotting 2 actor Bradley Welsh shot dead in Edinburgh

Trainspotting 2 actor Bradley Welsh was shot dead in Edinburgh's West End on Wednesday night.

Police were called to Chester Street at about 8pm, and found Mr Welsh with serious injuries.

The 42-year-old later died on the scene.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them immediately.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "The death is being treated as suspicious and inquiries are continuing.”

"Officers will continue to provide a high-visibility presence in the area to engage with the public, offer reassurance and gather information that can assist with this investigation."

Welsh, 42, starred alongside Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle in Trainspotting 2, playing gangland figure Mr Doyle.

Writer Irvine Welsh has paid tribute to his "amazing" friend, stating his heart was broken over the news.

The writer 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.”

Welsh appeared in Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men in 2008, where he described himself as a "born leader" in the episode.

The actor later became involved in charity projects in Edinburgh, including helping young people to stay away from a life of crime through his Holyrood Boxing Gym.