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Murder inquiry after man shot dead in Armadale

News imageFacebook William Watson looking straight at the camera. He is sitting in an armchair. He is smiling with his teeth on show. He has long dark hair over his forehead and a short, dark beard. He has tatoos on either side of his neck and appears to be wearing a grey t-shirt.Facebook
William Watson, known as Billy, died in the targeted attack in Armadale

A 35-year-old man who died in a "targeted attack" in West Lothian had been shot with a firearm, police have said.

Detectives said they were treating the death of Billy Watson in Armadale as murder and were keen to map the movements of two vehicles.

Watson died at the scene of the incident on Harestanes Road at about 11:50 on Saturday.

A 57-year-old man has been arrested over the death. Police later said they were looking for information about four men who were seen in the area at the time.

Det Supt Michelle Findlay, from Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team, confirmed the investigation had been upgraded from a suspicious death to a murder inquiry following a post-mortem examination.

She also revealed a blue BMW car and a black Vauxhall Mokka were spotted in the area around Harestanes Road at the time of the shooting.

The vehicles were later recovered and are undergoing forensic analysis.

News imageTwo police officers outside a house in Armadale, West Lothian, with a police van parked in the foreground of the image.
Police outside the house on Harestanes Road on Monday

Findlay said: "We are continuing to offer Billy's family support as the investigation progresses.

"They are understandably shocked and devastated by what has happened.

"It's imperative to establish why he was killed and get answers for his family and friends."

Officers have also been investigating whether a car fire on Saturday in nearby Netherhouses and a fire at a derelict house on Wotherspoon Crescent were linked to the incident.

Police Scotland urged anyone with information about the death to contact officers. A dedicated online portal has also been set up.

Supt Jocelyn Thomas said: "We understand the local community is concerned by what has happened. However, we believe this was a targeted attack.

"I want to reassure everyone, these incidents are rare.

"An increased police presence will remain in the area as we continue our inquiries and anyone with concerns can speak to these officers."