T2 Trainspotting actor Bradley Welsh has been shot dead in Edinburgh, Scotland.
The 42-year-old was reportedly gunned down in the West End of the city at about 8pm last night (April 17).
Police were called to the scene on Chester Street, confirming they found a man suffering serious injuries who died at the scene.
As reported by The Guardian, Police Scotland confirmed his death is being treated as suspicious.
Their statement read:
His 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.
Anyone who believes they have any relevant information should contact police immediately.
The area was locked down last night as a dozen armed police officers looked for the gunman.
Welsh starred alongside Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle in T2 Trainspotting playing gangland figure Mr. Doyle.
Kidnapping Renton and Sick Boy, rival brothel owner Mr. Doyle attempts to intimidate them into abandoning their plans to set up a sauna, driving the pair to the countryside and making them strip off so they have to walk back to Edinburgh naked.
A close friend, who wrote the novels Trainspotting and Porno, author Irvine Welsh has paid tribute to the Mr. Doyle actor on Twitter.
He wrote:
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.
A former British ABA lightweight boxing champion, Welsh was involved in charity projects across Edinburgh, including setting up the Holyrood Boxing Gym which encouraged young people to stay away from crime.
In 2008 he made an appearance on the television series Danny Dyer’s Deadliest Men.
T2 Trainspotting saw Welsh make his debut performance as an actor, landing the role after author Welsh and director Danny Boyle turned had agreed to use his gym as a filming location.
Local residents have been paying tribute to Welsh on social media, praising his dedication to the community.
One person wrote:
Sad to hear about Bradley Welsh, done so much for the community and Edinburgh as a whole, great guy with a big heart. Trained at his gym when it opened at gorgie and always teaching younger lads. RIP big guy.
Another added:
Rest in Peace Bradley Welsh.
A coloured past however truly cared for the Edinburgh community, setting up food banks and coaching young children in boxing. Will be missed terribly. Thoughts go out to friends and family. A true Hibernian soldier.
Our thoughts are with his friends and family at this time.
