A gangster has been targeted for a third time in an underworld shooting in a public place.

Robert Kelbie, who has been convicted of fraud, is understood to have been in his Ratho Station home on the outskirts of Edinburgh when a gunman unleashed a volley of shots at the building early on Tuesday morning.

Three years ago the Glasgow Road house was strafed with bullets in a drive-by style attack and in 2010 Kelbie survived being shot in the back outside a gym in Newcraighall.

Read more: Jail terms for Scots gang members who carried out 'clever, pitiless' fraud

A manhunt is under way for two men wearing dark clothing who were seen in the area around the time of the latest attack and an alert raised for information about a silver Saab abandoned some distance from the scene of the shooting.

Police said they believe the shooting will not lead to more violence and that it was a "targeted attack" but they have increased patrols in the area in an effort to reassure members of the community.

Officers appealed for witnesses to the incident which happened on the A8 commuter route alongside Edinburgh Airport at 6.20am on Tuesday, September 20 in Ratho Station.

Police said a number of people were in the house at the time of the shooting, and it was reported this included children.

No one was injured.

Read more: Jail terms for Scots gang members who carried out 'clever, pitiless' fraud

The silver Saab estate car was seen around the Ratho Station area and was abandoned in remote area off the A71 near to the turn-off for Kirknewton and East Calder.

In 2013 Kelbie admitted providing false personal income details to obtain the money, and was convicted of mortgage fraud.

The former boxer, who previously drove a Ferrari and was reported to have dated former Miss Scotland Lois Weatherup, was shot outside Bannatyne's Health Club in Edinburgh,and managed to drive himself to hospital.

He was said to have a long list of enemies but no one was convicted for that shooting, which also involved a search for a silver saloon car.

In a separate attack convicted cocaine dealer Mark Richardson was targeted by a group of men with baseball bats and police believed both incidents were gang-related.

Detective Inspector Alan O’Brien said: “Fortunately no one within the property or in the surrounding area was hurt as a result of this reckless and very dangerous act.

Read more: Jail terms for Scots gang members who carried out 'clever, pitiless' fraud

“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and believe that this was a targeted attack.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who has information that is relevant to this inquiry.

“In particular, we want to hear from anyone who saw the two males in dark clothing, within the Ratho Station area. We are also keen to hear from anyone who saw a silver Saab estate vehicle in the Ratho Station area and In addition, any residents within East Calder who believe they saw the men making off from the abandoned Saab should also get in touch.”

Chief Inspector Jimmy Jones, Local Area Commander for North West Edinburgh said: “Any incident involving a firearm is extremely concerning for the local community, but thankfully they remain a rarity within the city.

“As part of our ongoing investigation we will have a high-visibility presence within Ratho Station for the time being to speak with members of the public, gather evidence and offer reassurance to local residents and businesses."