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Police probe use of firearm after man found dead in Armadale

News imageAlan Simpson Two officers in white hazmat suits and head coverings in a garden. One of them is carrying a camera. There is also a uniformed police officer in the garden and a camera on a tripod. There are also wheelie bins and fences.Alan Simpson
Forensic officers were seen at a property

Police are investigating the use of a firearm after a man was found dead in West Lothian.

Emergency services were called to reports of an injured person in a property on Harestanes Road, Armadale, at about 11:50 on Saturday. A 35-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Scotland said inquiries were at an early stage and a post-mortem examination would take place, but one line of inquiry is that a firearm may have been used.

The force is also looking at whether a car fire in the nearby Netherhouses area is linked to the incident.

News imageBlue and white police tape stretched across a road with a uniformed officer in a hi-vis jacket standing on the pavement. There are a number of houses in the picture as well as vehicles and children's play equipment in a garden
The road was sealed off by police

The fire, which was reported at 12:00, was put out and there were no reports of any injuries.

Det Sup Michelle Findlay, of the major investigations team, said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the man who has died in this incident."

She said officers would remain in the area and anyone with information should contact Police Scotland.

The area was cordoned off on Saturday and police forensic officers in hazmat suits, some carrying cameras, were seen at the property.

Ambulance crews and an air ambulance were also at the scene.

On Sunday, one local shopkeeper said people in the area were "scared" and were not "letting their children go outside" as a result.

BBC Scotland understands police are not relating the incident to Operation Portaledge.

News imageA police van parked in a street with an officer further on, standing next to police tape that is stretched across the road.
Police were called to the scene in the late afternoon