A Trainspotting 2 actor was shot dead just yards away from his Edinburgh home where his family were waiting inside.

Bradley Welsh was murdered in a stairwell as he was heading into his basement flat to see his partner and daughter on Chester Street at 8pm on Wednesday.

A neighbour tried to save his life but he was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot in the head.

Mr Welsh was targeted after leaving the Holyrood Boxing Gym, which he founded.

Officers are hunting the gunman but believe other people were involved in the planning of the shooting.

Superintendent Allan Burton said his family have been left devastated.

He said: "His partner and young daughter were in the home and they are totally devastated and distraught. It seems unreal for them what has occurred.

"They had no indication what has happened, particularly on their doorstep.

"They are just really suffering and finding it really difficult to cope with their loss of their partner and father.

"All of Mr Welsh's past will be looked at, his association, his friendships, his business contacts and people through his gym.

"We will find out who is responsible and we will bring them to justice."

Roads remain closed off while residents were told to stay indoors after hearing a "loud bang" following the murder.

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

Superintendent Allan Burton added: "A loud bang was heard and a male was seen running away from the top of the stairwell.

"A neighbour went to assist and discovered he had been shot.

"We are treating this as murder because he had gunshot injuries.

"I'm determined to find out who was involved.

"One person was seen running from the scene.

"There will be a motive - you don't shoot someone for nothing.

"We have not recovered any weapons."

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."