A man who starred as a gangland figure in Trainspotting 2 was murdered in a stairwell outside his home.

Bradley Welsh was gunned down as he was going into his flat on Chester Street in Edinburgh's west end at 8pm on Wednesday.

STV News understands the 48-year-old, who also appeared in an episode of Danny Dyer's Deadliest Men, was shot in the head.

A murder investigation has now been launched following the death.

Superintendent Allan Burton said: "At this time our deepest sympathies are with this man's family and a significant inquiry is now underway to trace everyone who was involved in the murder.

"I would ask that anyone who was within Chester Street, or the West End of Edinburgh on Wednesday evening, and who saw anyone, or anything suspicious, to contact the police immediately.

"Part of this investigation will focus on obtaining CCTV from nearby homes and businesses and we would also urge any motorists who were in the area and may have relevant dash-cam footage to share this with us.

"Murders remain extremely rare in the capital and such incidents where a firearm are used are even more uncommon.

"However, we wish to reassure the public that considerable resources are being dedicated to this inquiry and we are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness."

Roads remain closed off while residents were told to stay indoors following the shooting.

Mr Welsh starred alongside Ewan McGregor, Ewen Bremner, Jonny Lee Miller, and Robert Carlyle in T2 Trainspotting, playing the gangland figure Mr Doyle.

Chief Inspector David Robertson added: "We recognise and understand the profound impact this incident will have had, both on those connected to the victim, and to the local community of the West End.

"There will naturally be a high officer presence in the area over the forthcoming days both to offer reassurance and gather any relevant information that may be of use to the inquiry.

"I want to stress that Edinburgh remains a safe place to live, work and visit and we are doing everything we can to bring those responsible for this needless death to justice.

"In the coming days, weeks and months we will be providing the family with all the support and assistance they may require."

He was close friends with Trainspotting author Irvine Welsh, who described him as an "amazing and beautiful friend" in a tribute on social media.

He wrote: "Bradley John Welsh, my heart is broken. Goodbye my amazing and beautiful friend.

"Thanks for making me a better person and helping me to see the world in a kinder and wiser way."

Actor Danny Dyer added: "So sad to hear the news about Bradley Welsh.

"A good soul with a massive heart. A massive loss. Rest in Peace my old son."

A floral tribute wrapped in a green and white scarf - the colours of Hibs Football Club - lay at the edge of the cordon.

Residents who live within the police cordon are being checked in and out of the taped-off area.

A woman, who did not want to be named, was in her flat across the road from the incident when she heard a "massive bang".

She added: "I was in the kitchen and heard a bang. I ran through to my boyfriend and said 'what was that?', because it sounded a little bit weird.

"Then there were loads of SWAT teams - the police were here super-quick."

Lewis Starling, 25, said: "I just came home last night at about 8.40pm and the whole place was cordoned off.

"I had to get permission to get back to my flat and after that more people just arrived and it's just been locked down.

"It's quite surprising, you don't expect that around here."