Fords Road death is being treated as murder

The death of a chef who was found lying in a city street is being treated as murder, police have confirmed.

Police said Lionel Simenya had been involved in an altercation and died of his injuries in Fords Road in Saughton last Thursday.

Detectives are now trying to establish if a stolen Peugeot car found abandoned in the same street is connected to the murder.

Police were alerted at about 03:50am on Thursday morning after the 36-year-old was found with serious injuries.

Det Insp Stuart Alexander from the Major Investigation Team said: “It is understood that Mr Simenya was within his vehicle in Fords Road and has become involved in an altercation.

“Although investigations are at an early stage, there is nothing to suggest that he has been a victim of a knife attack.

“I have a full team pursuing various lines of enquiries and I am particularly keen for anybody in the surrounding area who has private CCTV or dashcam footage from the early hours of Thursday morning to contact us.”

A Peugeot car was stolen on Fords Road on Thursday morning and was later found abandoned nearby.

Det Insp Alexander added: “Lionel Simenya moved to the UK a number of years ago. He was a highly thought of, hard working man who kept himself to himself and has met a tragic death.

“I am confident the answer to solving this horrific crime lies in the communities of Edinburgh and no matter how insignificant you think any information is, please contact us and let us assess it.

“This must be playing on the consciences of the individuals responsible and I would urge those people to come forward.”