Detectives in Edinburgh have launched a murder enquiry after a man who was shot in the head on Saturday morning succumbed to his injuries.

The 26-year-old, of Hazelwood Grove in the Inch area of the city, passed away at the Western General Hospital overnight. Police cannot release his identity until next of kin have been informed.

The victim was discovered unconscious by a member of the public in Hazelwood Grove at around 6am yesterday, with a gunshot injury to the head.

He was taken by ambulance to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, and was thereafter transferred to the Neurology Department at the Western General Hospital, where he passed away despite the best efforts of medical staff.

A full-scale murder enquiry is now underway, and an incident room has been set up at Leith*.

Forensic enquiries continue to be carried out at Hazelwood Grove, where a police cordon has been put in place. High-visibility police patrols have also been stepped up in the area.

A police spokesman said: "We remain anxious to speak to anyone who may have any information that can help our enquiries, in particular anyone who may have seen the victim in the hours before he was shot.

"He is described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall, short dark hair, and with a stocky build.

"He was wearing a grey hooded Nike top with the words 'Just Do It' in pink lettering on the front, a sky blue Nike T-shirt underneath, black Nike tracksuit trousers, and white Nike trainers.

"Anyone who saw someone matching this description in the early hours of Saturday morning is urged to contact police immediately.

"Similarly, anyone who was in the Inch area at that time, or using any of the main arterial routes nearby, and noticed anything suspicious, should also get in touch."

Anyone with any information should contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.

· Leith Police Station is currently being refurbished, and the incident room has been set up at nearby Ocean House, off Commercial Street.

Source: Lothian & Borders Police