A 21-year-old man has appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court facing serious charges, including two counts of attempted murder and one of fire-raising, following a series of violent incidents associated with the Daniel crime clan in Glasgow and Bishopbriggs. The man’s appearance comes on the heels of a brazen firebombing that allegedly targeted the home of Steven "Bonzo" Daniel, a prominent figure within this notorious family, as part of escalating gang violence.
On April 8, a fire erupted at the Carpet and Flooring factory on Wellington Road, Bishopbriggs, at a site linked to the Daniel clan. The property was reportedly set ablaze in what police are treating as part of an ongoing turf war between the Daniel and Richardson crime factions. Notably, Craig 'Rob Roy' Gallagher, an associate of the Daniel clan who has a history of violence, has been identified as a director of the company associated with the factory, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding these incidents.
Six days later, the situation worsened with the torching of a home on John Marshall Drive, believed to belong to Steven Daniel, which occurred during the early hours of April 14. Simultaneously, a second property on Colston Drive also suffered the same fate. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that there were no injuries reported in any of these fire incidents. However, the escalating violence comes in the wake of earlier attacks and arrests linked to gangland activity, suggesting a period of significant instability within the criminal underworld of Glasgow.
Tensions have reached a boiling point this year, with a notable incident involving David McMillan Snr, an associate of the Richardson faction. His home was set ablaze on April 17 while children were present. This attack was reportedly motivated by retaliatory feelings stemming from the ongoing gang feud. Of particular concern is the involvement of various groups and individuals, suggesting a broader network of violence across the region. As allegations of theft and betrayal simmer between factions, it is clear that the feud over drug deals—specifically a £500,000 cocaine stash—has intensified conflicts among these groups.
In connection with these sprawling criminal activities, Police Scotland has pledged to take a hard stance against such violence. Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ferry has underscored the importance of community cooperation in combating serious organised crime, stating that efforts, such as Operation Portaledge, will focus on dismantling this web of violence and ensuring those responsible are held accountable.
Recent events have brought renewed scrutiny to the activities of the Daniel clan, particularly following the death of their former kingpin, Jamie Daniel, whose influence in the drug trade left a lasting mark on Glasgow's criminal landscape. His legacy has continued to fuel disputes even after his passing, with various factions vying for control over illicit activities. The current spate of violence, typified by firebombings and machete attacks, illustrates the ruthless nature of the ongoing conflict, raising alarms over the safety of local communities entangled in this feud.
As police investigations continue, the implications for public safety remain significant. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding these violent incidents to step forward, highlighting that community engagement is vital in addressing the threat posed by organised crime.
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Source: Noah Wire Services