A MAN has been arrested and charged after armed police attended a house in Musselburgh during an operation to fight organised crime.

The police unit were at the house on Pinkie Drive after executing a search warrant on Tuesday evening and remained at the address through Wednesday morning, with a related police operation taking place at Poltonhall Industrial Estate in Midlothian.

As a result, several items were seized that are subject to further inquiry, including an air weapon.

The 49-year-old who has been charged will appear in court at a later date after being charged under the Firearms and Air Weapons Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Batten, from Lothian and Scottish Borders CID, said: “The operation that took place on Wednesday was the culmination of protracted intelligence and evidence-gathering activity and resulted in various items being seized that will continue to be analysed as part of this inquiry.

“We are committed to tackling organised crime in all its forms and any information we obtain, whether it’s from the public, or through our own methods, will always be appropriately acted upon to bring organised crime offenders to justice.

“If you would like to report ongoing criminal activity in your area then you can do so by contacting us via 010, or by making an anonymous report to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”