In the 1980s, Glasgow was the scene of the “ice cream wars,” during which the owners of mobile ice cream vans would vandalize each other’s vans and shoot at their windshields. However, the sale of ice cream was merely a front used by drug dealers.
The conflict reached its tragic peak with the arson of the apartment belonging to Andrew Doyle, a driver of one of the vans. The fire resulted in the deaths of Doyle, his family, and their guests.
The ice cream wars highlighted the extent to which organized crime had infiltrated seemingly innocent businesses. The violence and intimidation tactics used by the gangs shocked the local community and drew significant media attention.
The tragic deaths spurred a major police investigation, leading to several arrests and convictions. This dark chapter in Glasgow’s history serves as a stark reminder of how criminal activities can pervade everyday life, often with devastating consequences.