Man attacked in city centre named as Edinburgh drug kingpin

THE man attacked in a city centre ambush yesterday has been named locally as notorious drugs kingpin Sean '˜Lugs' McGovern.

The incident occurred on Waterloo Place, Edinburgh. Picture; Toby Williams

Police are hunting the two men who slashed the victim on Waterloo Place - close to Princes Street - as shoppers and tourists looked on.

Their victim was covered in blood and was seen chasing to his attackers who fled in a white car.

McGovern then slumped to the ground against a wall, pale-faced and bleeding heavily.

Picture; Toby Williams

He was helped to an ambulance with bandages to his hand and neck yards from where tour busses were picking up and dropping off hordes of city visitors and close to the five-star Balmoral Hotel.

It is believed that McGovern, who arrived in a Mercedes driven by a woman, was attacked as he prepared to board a G4S bus to Castle Huntley open jail after home leave.

He was jailed for almost 17 years in 2009 for dealing heroin in the Capital - and for firing a shotgun at a pub in a warning to a rival.