Fourth targeted shooting sparks public safety fear
FEARS that a member of the public could be injured in crossfire have been raised after a series of shootings in Glasgow.
The police have been urged to address growing concerns about gun violence following another targeted attack on Sunday.
A 42-year-old man was gunned down on a quiet housing estate in Stepps, while days before another man was targeted outside his home in the South Side.
Officers said four or five shots were fired. The 42-yearold was reversing his grey Skoda Octavia in Honeywell Drive, Cardowan, when a white Audi estate car appeared at his side window and shot him, shattering the window.
Police are treating the incident as attempted murder. The victim was due to under go surgery i n hospital.
A burnt out white Audi Estate was later recovered at Hogarth Park in the Haghilll area.
Last Thursday Ross Craig is thought to have been taking his children to nursery when the gunman appeared around 8am.
In January, Ross Monaghan was blasted on the school run outside St George’s primary in Penilee by a man pushing a pram.
In November Euan Johnston, 26, was fatally gunned down as he sat in his car on Shields Road.
As yet, nobody has been arrested in relation to the incidents in Stepps, Penilee, Shawlands and Shields Road and politicians have now raised concerns for public safety.
Conservative MSP Annie Wells, who is a list MSP for Glasgow, said there is an “increasing risk” that the general public could be injured or killed should further incidents take place.
The MSP also plans to raise the matter urgently with the First Minister this week. She said: “The latest string of shootings across the city are very concerning.
“With five separate incidents in Glasgow over the last 12 months alone, Police Scotland need to reassure those living in Glasgow that they are serious about tackling gun crime.
“When these brutal attacks are taking place at an alarming rate on our streets, there is an increasing risk that more innocent bystanders are going to be mixed up in these crimes.
“That’s why Police Scotland need to be transparent about how they are going to get guns off our streets.”
Graeme Pearson, former top cop turned Labour MSP, said: “Of course there could [be a risk to the public] if this continues.
“It is extremely unhelpful that criminals in Glasgow have adopted a technique, a culture of attacking each other with firearms outside schools and homes particularly. The authorities are left somewhat behind the curve in dealing with it.
“I understand why the public should know that these are targeted attacks but my view is the public’s first inclination is not to be concerned about targets or otherwise.
“They don’t want guns used on our streets and do not seek a platitude to give them some comfort. They need to see people arrested and convicted.”
Detective Superintendent Kenny Graham said: “There has been a number of incidents over the l ast few months and I understand that people are concerned that these are happening in residential areas, often in daylight and near schools.
“I do however, believe these are targeted incidents, involving people concerned in serious and organised crime. We have a number of investigations under way to identify those responsible.”