Gangland figure slain

Gangland figure slain

Billy McPhee was stabbed in a busy restaurant

A prominent gangland figure has died after being stabbed in front of diners in a busy Glasgow restaurant.

Billy McPhee was one of five men murdered in separate incidents in and around Glasgow over the weekend.

Strathclyde Police said the deaths were not thought to be linked.

Mr McPhee, 38, from Barlanark, was known to be associated with the Glasgow underworld figure Tam McGraw.

Senior police officers said they were still unsure of the motive for the killing.

There has been speculation that it was related to a dispute in the east end over the control of drugs territory.

But BBC News Online has learned that a group of young criminals nicknamed the East End Crew have claimed responsibility for the "hit".

Busy restaurant

Mr McPhee suffered multiple stab wounds when he was attacked in a Brewers Fayre restaurant in the Baillieston area of Glasgow at about 1700 GMT on Saturday.

He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, but died later from his injuries.

Reg McKay, crime journalist and co-author of several books with former gangster Paul Ferris, said: "This is nothing to do with drugs or territory."

He told BBC News Online: "McPhee was a very violent and sadistic man who has been taking liberties and causing havoc in the east end of Glasgow for years.

"What has happened is that a group of street players in the east end, aged about 19 and 20, have decided to take McPhee out."

What has happened is that a group of street players in the east end, aged about 19 and 20, have decided to take McPhee out

Reg McKay, crime journalist and author

He said they were being dubbed the East End Crew and may also have been responsible for the murder, in January, of another McGraw associate Gordon Ross.

Detective Inspector Tom Docherty, who is leading the investigation into McPhee's murder, said: "At the time of the incident the restaurant was very busy.

"We have interviewed a number of people who were within the restaurant when Mr McPhee was attacked."

He urged anyone who had not yet spoken to police to come forward.

"In particular I am anxious to speak to the driver of a black hackney taxi who dropped off two people outside the Brewers Fayre at around 1700," he added.

Strathclyde Police said the five incidents in the force area over the weekend were not thought to be linked, or connected to Saturday's Old Firm match between Celtic and Rangers.

At about 2030 GMT on Saturday a 27-year-old man sustained serious head injuries when he was attacked near a bus stop at Gartloch Road, Gartloch.

He was taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he died a short time later.

Stable condition

One man died and a second was seriously injured in an incident in Barmulloch at about 0325 on Sunday.

The pair, who were both aged 33, were attacked by another man on the landing of a close in Birnie Road.

John Hamilton from Barmulloch, died at the scene and the other man was said to be in a stable condition in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

One incident took place in Birnie Road

Police in Greenock launched a murder inquiry after Robert Devine was found dead in his home in Bouverie Street, Port Glasgow, at about 0720 on Saturday.

Mr Devine, who was known as Ben, was last seen at 1830 the previous day by a neighbour.

In the early hours of Saturday a 19-year-old died following what police believe was an unprovoked attack in the Shettleston area of Glasgow.

'Not typical'

Detectives said Kevin Lawson, from the Tollcross area, was attacked while he was walking with a friend. He died in hospital.

Following the attacks First Minister Jack McConnell said more needed to be done to "challenge the culture which can lead to murder".

A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "This death toll in one weekend is alarming but thankfully not typical."