Unveiling Glasgow’s Crime Feud: BBC Podcast Explores Daniels vs. Lyons Rivalry

The dark underbelly of Glasgow’s crime scene comes to life in BBC Radio 5 Live’s podcast series, Gangster: The Story of the Daniels and the Lyons. This six-part investigative series, hosted by journalist Livvy Haydock, delves into one of Scotland’s bloodiest and longest-running gang wars. The story of these rival families—marked by machete attacks, public shootings, and tit-for-tat revenge killings—has captured the attention of crime enthusiasts and shaken local communities for over two decades.

Podcast cover for Gangster - The Story of the Daniels and the Lyons.

The Root of the Feud

The bitter conflict between the Daniels and the Lyons began over a drug-related debt but quickly spiraled into a violent war. This feud has left a trail of destruction, impacting not only the gang members but also innocent bystanders. Livvy Haydock unearths the intricate web of lies, betrayal, and bloodshed that defines their violent history.

One shocking moment was the broad daylight execution of Kevin “the Gerbil” Carroll, a key Daniels enforcer, outside a busy Glasgow supermarket. This brazen attack sent shockwaves throughout Scotland, highlighting the gang war’s reach and audacity.

The Global Connections

The series tracks the rise of these two families from Glasgow’s scrapyards to their links with international drug-dealing networks. The story of Zander Sutherland, son of Jamie Daniel, adds a global dimension. Sutherland fled to Norway to escape Scotland’s violence, claiming his life would be in jeopardy if he returned. His ongoing extradition battle reveals the far-reaching consequences of the feud.

Corruption in the Ranks

Haydock investigates the shadowy role of corruption within the police, exposing how one officer’s betrayal helped a crime family evade justice. This angle offers listeners a deeper understanding of how crime networks manipulate law enforcement to maintain power.

Firsthand Accounts of Glasgow’s Underworld

The series features exclusive interviews with detectives who fought to dismantle these gangs, former associates who divulge underworld secrets, and community leaders who have stood up to the violence. Veteran journalist Norman Silvester describes the feud as one of Scotland’s most significant crime stories, with attacks carried out on an “industrial scale.”

Silvester explains:

“It’s challenging to get anyone to talk openly about this feud because of the fear of reprisals. Even after two decades, the violence persists, with both families maintaining extensive networks.”

Unresolved Conflict

According to journalist David Leslie, this feud might never see resolution. He states:

“This dispute will go on till the end of time. Both families are too deeply entrenched in their vendetta.”

A Compelling Listen

Livvy Haydock promises gripping storytelling, saying:

“This is the most bloody and brutal Gangster series to date. The testimonies we’ve uncovered are fascinating, and I believe listeners will be as captivated as I was while making it.”

Why This Podcast Matters

Beyond the gore and sensationalism, Gangster: The Story of the Daniels and the Lyons sheds light on the social and economic factors that fuel gang violence in Glasgow. It also raises important questions about community resilience and the challenges law enforcement faces in curbing organized crime.

Where to Listen

The first episode of Gangster: The Story of the Daniels and the Lyons is available now on BBC Sounds and other major platforms, with new episodes released weekly.

Key Highlights from the Podcast

The Catalyst: A drug debt sparks one of Scotland’s most infamous gang wars.
Kevin “The Gerbil” Carroll’s Death: A brazen public murder that brought the feud to national attention.
Global Reach: From Glasgow to Norway, tracing the families’ international ties.
Corruption in Law Enforcement: How a rogue officer assisted a gang’s rise to power.
Ongoing Feud: Why the conflict shows no signs of stopping.
Exclusive Testimonies: From police, former gang members, and community leaders.