COPS HUNT GANG FEUD HIT AND RUN DRIVER
Murder bid search after shocking attack puts girl in hospital
COPS are hunting for a maniac motorist who deliberately drove at a group of teenagers in Castlemilk on Saturday afternoon.
The incident is being treated as attempted murder.
We are treating this incident as attempted murder
A COMMUNITY is shock after a maniac motorist deliberately drove at a group of teenagers standing in the street.
The blatant attack on the youngsters happened on Saturday afternoon in the Castlemilk area of Glasgow and is being treated as attempted murder.
A teenage girl, 14, is in a stable condition in Hairmyres Hospital after she was targeted with her friends.
The Evening Times understands that she was hit with the vehicle head on.
The silver Vauxhall Astra then hit the young girl again as it reversed to make its getaway.
Her friends, two girls, 12 and 14, and two boys, 12 and 13, were also injured during the hit and run. They have since been released from hospital after being treated for minor injuries, but are in a state of shock after witnessing what happened to their friend.
The attack unfolded at around 3.30pm when the group were standing on a pavement in Stravanan Road, near the shops.
They were struck by a car being driven by a man. That same car also had a male passenger. The car failed to stop and then made off in the direction of Birgidale Road.
Some reports said the car had tried to hit someone else on the road as part of a gang feud, but missed and drove into the children.
One of the victim’s mothers hit out at those responsible for the attack.
She said on social media: “My daughter was one of the kids hit, when is this going to stop?
“Innocent children injured by the yobs of Castlemilk, it’s a disgrace.
“They want to lock them up and throw away the key. I’m absolutely raging.”
She added: “My child has been lucky enough to walk away with minor injuries but the mental trauma will stay with them and their friends forever.”
Following the attack, the area was cordoned off as police began their investigations.
The Evening Times understands that a parked car was hit during the crash, and that was taken away by forensic officers looking to gather clues to catch those responsible.
Murder cops investigating the incident said they were following a number of lines of enquiry.
Detective Inspector Peter Sharp, at Cathcart Police Office, said: “This vehicle was deliberately driven at this group of children and as such we are treating this incident at attempted murder.
“Extensive police inquiries are continuing to trace the man driving the car, his male passenger and also the vehicle involved. Officers are following a number of lines of enquiry.
“At this time I would appeal to any witnesses to this incident, or anyone with information that may assist this investigation, including anyone who may have details of the silver coloured Vauxhall Astra involved to contact police as a matter of urgency.”
He added: “There will be additional police patrols in the area to provide reassurance to the local community and I would encourage
anyone with information or concerns to approach the officers who will be happy to assist. Information from the public is the key to us tracing the person responsible for this attempted murder, and I would ask anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward as it may prove vital to our investigation.”
Although the force said that there will be additional patrols in the area, a shocked community was still coming to terms with what had happened.One resident said: “Shame on anyone that’s hiding this coward and everyone i n Castlemilk should be united to get this creature and whoever protects him.
“If he can mow down a group of kids i n broad daylight at high speed intentionally, he is capable of anything.”
Another added: “Utterly disgusting. I hope all the kids make a full recovery. Words fail me when people think its OK to hurt kids.
“Do the right thing and go to the police.”
Anyone with information should contact Cathcart Police Office through 101 quoting reference number 2777 of the 24th March.