One of Scotland’s most high-profile gangland figures has been arrested during an early morning police raid.

Steven ‘Bonzo’ Daniel, 46 was taken into custody at around 06:00 from his home in Robroyston in the north of Glasgow.

Daniel is understood to be the head of the notorious Daniel crime family which has been engaged in a violent feud with the rival Lyons family for 25 years.

He was arrested in connection with serious and organised crime, firearms and drugs offences as part of Operation Ventetic, a major UK-wide operation which has dismantled several gangs.

BBC Scotland News joined the operation shortly before sunrise.

Dozens of officers involved were briefed at a nearby police station before joining a convoy to Daniel’s home.

Two uniformed officers initially approached the property and spoke to him through a first-floor window.

An officer with a police dog then moved in.

Moments later Daniel left the property through the front door and was taken into the back of a police van.

A second man, Steven Gordon, 39 was also arrested in Garthamlock, less than four miles away, in a simultaneous operation.

He was taken into custody in connection with serious and organised crime, firearms and drugs offences and conspiracy to murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ferry said: “The chief constable has made it clear that those intent on being involved in serious and organised crime will be brought to justice.

“This enforcement action underlines that commitment.

“We will continue to take strong action and to use every tool and tactic available to relentlessly pursue those involved in serious criminality who seek to profit from the harm and misery they cause to communities in Scotland.”

The Scottish arm of Operation Venetic has resulted in more than 60 arrests since 2020 when the National Crime Agency penetrated a secret communications system used by criminals.

In May 2017 Daniel suffered serious facial wounds when he was attacked after a 100mph car chase through Glasgow.