SCARED KIDS COULD NAIL PLAYPARK GUN KILLER
Cops hope fleeing youngsters can provide vital clues to the shooting of Jamie Lee, 22
CHILDREN who fled for their lives as a man was gunned down in a playpark could hold vital clues to his murder, detectives said yesterday.
Police confirmed the terrifying gang fight near Ballantay Terrace,
in Glasgow’s Castlemilk, was pre-arranged.
We revealed yesterday that Jamie Lee, 22, lost his fight for life in hospital after the shooting on Saturday night, which was carried out in front of children playing on a slide and climbing frame.
Others involved in the bloodbath, which involved at least 12 people, were armed with knives and machetes.
A 62-year-old man, thought to be from Jamie’s family, was shot in the chest but was later released from hospital.
He had tried to intervene and was not involved in the initial battle.
Detective Superintendent Allan Burton urged witnesses of all ages to come forward.
He said: “There were a number of people there, including some children, who had run off from the playpark at the start of this incident.
“We are aware from witness statements that the two groups came together for a stand-up fight, where they targeted individuals within both groups.
“Some had been armed with weapons.
“One was armed with a firearm which has been discharged and has caused injury to the deceased and also caused injury to a 62-year-old male.
“My obvious concern is that there were unrelated persons within this vicinity, including children who were in the playpark prior to this and they may have been affected by it.” Residents who spoke to the Record told of screaming children fleeing the playpark.
DS Burton added: “We have spoken to people who told us they heard children running from the scene.
“We have not yet identified who these children are.”
“We believe there are people who hold crucial information from within that playpark.”
Officers revealed that while some of the individuals involved in the mass battle were of “non-white Scottish race”, they do not believe there was any racial motivation behind the battle.
The appeal for witnesses came as one of Jamie’s relatives told the Record the family are mystified as to why the fight he died in took place.
Speaking at his home in Castlemilk yesterday, John Lee said: “We have no idea what was behind this.
“The family are trying to deal with it. We are trying to face up to it.
“We’re devastated but we want to put a brave face on it. What else can we do?”
Jamie lived with his fiancee Laura Ward. In March, she posted a baby scan image on her Facebook page saying: “Baby boy No1”.
Some residents spoke of a feud in the area but a tribute to Jamie on a police social media page appealed for calm.
It read: “Tragic and needless loss of life. Please guys, show some control and use your heads. Be the bigger man and walk away.
“Violence is pointless as this tragedy has proven.”
Another post said: “Words can’t express how everyone is feeling at this moment. My heart goes out to all the family. RIP Jamie xx”
A friend added: “Another life taken far too soon. RIP Jamie son. God bless this boy’s family my heart goes out to them xx”
Jamie’s cousin Rebecca Lee wrote: “RIP cuzz. Gone but never forgotten x.” One woman posted a message saying: “So, so sad.
These weans want to learn
real life ain’t a joke. Rest easy young man. Heartbreaking x”
Yesterday, detectives from the police’s major investigation team were carrying out door-to-door inquiries.
Specialist forensic staff continued to scour the area in a finger-tip search for evidence.
And detectives are checking CCTV footage from the area, as well as images and videos that were captured at the scene by witnesses.
Jamie died in hospital on Sunday from a single gunshot wound. A post mortem was due to be carried out last night.
Detectives also want to hear from locals who were looking out of their windows as the harrowing events unfolded.
They say CCTV images show several potential witnesses observing the scene.
Police have stepped up patrols and visibility in the area to try to reassure residents.
DS Burton added: “This is clearly a worrying incident for local residents and families who live nearby.
“But I want to assure people that this level of violence in our communities will not be tolerated and we will be using every available resource to arrest those responsible for these attacks.
“The men involved are believed to be known to one another and sought each other out in targeted attacks. The end result has been a young man losing his life.
“We have had an encouraging response from the community so far but I know that there are still people in the area who have not spoken to us.
“Additional officers continue to patrol the area. Anyone with any concerns should approach these officers.”
Police believe there is no link to organised crime in the city.
In recent months, tit-for-tat killings and attacks have taken place in a war between the rival Lyons and Daniel families.
Officers also reckon there is no link between the gang fight on Saturday and another violent incident which took place two streets away a fortnight ago.
In that attack, a 23-year-old man was run down by a Mercedes car and then chased and stabbed.
No one has so far been arrested in connection with the crime.