Slash and run hitmen attack on notorious gangster was 'ordered by cocaine kingpin'

Heroin baron Sean “Lugs” McGovern was ambushed at lunchtime in Edinburgh just yards from the the five-star Balmoral Hotel

 

A cocaine kingpin sent two thugs to slash a notorious gangster on a busy street in the heart of Edinburgh in broad daylight, underworld sources claimed today.
They believe Sean “Lugs” McGovern was targeted because of his friendship with convicted fraudster Robert Kelbie, who has been feuding with the kingpin for years.
Heroin baron McGovern, 32, was ambushed just yards from the popular five-star Balmoral Hotel.
He was knifed in the back of the head by two men - disguised as joggers in baseball caps and sunglasses - who jumped him as he stepped out of a £42,000 motor.
A gangland source told the Daily Record : “McGovern was fortunate to get away with his life.
“He’s friends with Robert Kelbie.



"The feud is escalating and no one knows where it may end.”
 

Sean “Lugs” McGovern was left nursing a bloody wound to the back of his head

The stabbing was just yards from Princes Street and the five-star Balmoral Hotel

After trying to chase the attackers, one of which appeared to be armed with a blade, McGovern then slumped to the ground, ashen-faced and clearly in shock.
The revenge attack, which lasted just seconds and was apparently carefully planned, left his grey hoodie stained red with blood.
McGovern was later helped into an ambulance with his head, neck and left hand bandaged.



Kelbie, 32, was shot in the back in a health club car park in 2010 in an attack said to be linked to the vendetta.
Reports at the time said he drove himself to hospital and discharged himself after treatment.
The source added: “This will have repercussions in the underworld. McGovern is not someone to mess with lightly.”