Two Scots warned every day over murder plots

‘Osman warnings’ issued to ordinary people as well as career criminals.

The formal alerts are issued by police when they learn of possible murder targets but are unable to make an arrest due to a lack of evidence.

Ordinary people, including witnesses in criminal trials, are among those who are issued with the so-called “Osman warnings” as well as career criminals.

More than 2,200 were issued between 2010 and 2013. The vast majority were for people living in the West of Scotland.

But the overall figure is likely to be higher as police chiefs refused to release details for areas such as the Highlands where the total falls below 20 and they fear recipients could be identified.

Labour justice spokesman Graeme Pearson said: “For the overwhelming majority of Scots, this sort of warning will never be issued.

“But it is right that the police tell people who are at risk so that steps can be taken to prevent a murder.

“Preventing a murder is always more preferable to having to solve one.”

The former Strathclyde police area accounts for the majority of the Osman warnings issued over the last three years, with 416 in 2012/13 down by a fifth on the previous year but up from 336 in 2009/10.

The figures show all the former police force areas issued “threat to life” warnings last year, including 34 in the former Tayside Police patch.

The warning system was introduced in 1988 after police failed to protect a family from teacher Paul Paget-Lewis.

He shot and wounded his former pupil Ahmet Osman, 14, of Hackney, London, killed the boy’s father and two others.

The killer had previously declared he’d carry out a “Hungerford-style” killing spree at Homerton House School. Well-known recipients of the warnings include former bank robber Ian “Blink” McDonald, 47, after they became embroiled in a bitter feud over a business deal which turned sour.

Former terror chief Johnny “Mad Dog” Adair, who now lives in Ayrshire, was also given a warning.

Police Scotland Detective Chief Superintendent Colin Field said: “Threats to Life warnings are used to keep people safe. This is a very good example of Police Scotland making the best use of information and intelligence resources; to take pre-emptive action to prevent other crimes taking place.

“There are obvious benefits, such as preventing serious harm and protecting victims and their families. It can also reduce the impact on the resources of police officers and prosecutors.

When it is deemed appropriate for the police to issue Threat to Life warnings, it is highly effective and reduces the risks within our communities.”