Stabbing inSquare
Calls for CCTV in Square after horrific knife attack
Witnesses are being urged to come forward following a stabbing at St Leonards Square in broad daylight.
A 33-year-old man was found with stab wounds at around 1.15pm on Friday.
Shoppers looked on in shock as forensic police investigated at the scene where the shopping centre was busy with locals.
The horror attack follows a crimewave of violence and youth disorder in the area in recent weeks and has led to calls for increased CCTV in the area.
Police confirmed they will continue to deploy high visibility patrols.
Horrified shoppers have spoken of their shock after a man was stabbed at St Leonards Square in broad daylight.
The 33-year-old was found lying in a pool of blood with stab wounds at around 1.15pm on High Common Road on Friday.
A police cordon was set up around the square with the car park closed off to motorists.
The area was busy with shoppers and pub-goers at the time who were making the most of the warm weather.
Detectives have launched an inquiry and are appealing for witnesses.
Police are particularly keen to trace the occupants of a suspicious red car spotted in the area around the time of the incident.
The victim’s injuries were not life threatening and he has since been released from hospital following treatment.
Police confirmed this week they are following a positive line of enquiry and stressed that increased patrols will continue in the area, adding that the stabbing was not thought to be connected to recent incidents of youth disorder in the St Leonards area.
Detective Sergeant Charles Limond of Cambuslang CID said: “At around 1.15pm on Friday, July 29, police and emergency services responded to reports of a 33-year-old man having been seriously assaulted on High Common Road in East Kilbride.
“He was taken by ambulance to Hairmyres Hospital to receive treatment for a serious injury, which is not considered as life threatening.
“Enquiries are at an early stage and officers are appealing for any witnesses and information, in particular they want to trace the occupants of a small red car seen in the area.”
The News spoke to locals at the scene as forensic police carried out their investigations.
Shoppers looked on in disbelief as officers took photographs of evidence markers placed around the petrol station and entrance to the square car park.
One man, who did not wish to be named, said: “I heard someone had been stabbed. It’s really worrying that something so serious could happen during the day with so many people around.”
The News revealed last week police are carrying out nightly patrols in St Leonards as part of a crackdown on violence and youth disorder which has blighted the area in recent weeks.
Uniformed patrols have been boosted around the trouble hotspot since the schools closed for summer.
Concerned residents have reported trouble flaring as a result of large groups of youths congregating in the area.
Street drinking, fighting and even reports of youths armed with weapons have sparked fear in the community.
The increased police presence was sparked by an alleged baseball bat assault on a 16-year-old boy outside the Bonnie Prince Charlie pub last month.
And last week a 14-year-old boy was allegedly ‘jumped’ by a group of youths in Glen Farrar.
St Leonards Community Council chairman Graeme Macklin is calling for more CCTV to help combat the escalating crimewave.
He said: “This is worrying for everyone. The message going out to people is to stay away from St Leoanrds Square – we don’t want that.
“Violent crime needs to be hit on the head. It is time we had a proper CCTV system in place for the good of all residents.
“The cameras help the police establish who, where and why these groups meet there so let’s be having some response from the council on cameras covering St Leonards Square.”
Witnesses to Friday’s incident are being urged to contact Cambuslang Police Office on 101.
Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.