SCOTTISH SHOPKEEPER SHOT IN BOTCHED ROBBERY
POLICE are hunting a masked gunman who shot a shopkeeper in the leg during a bungled robbery.
The attacker, armed with what police believe was a handgun, walked in to the KOF Convenience Store, in Yoker, Glasgow, and threatened staff about 11.20am yesterday.
He demanded money and cigarettes before shooting a 23-year-old male member of staff in the leg and fleeing empty-handed.
The victim was taken by ambulance to the city’s Queen Elizabeth University Hospital.
Police said his injuries were not lifethreatening and medical staff described his condition as stable last night.
Detective Inspector Brian Gallagher, the officer leading the inquiry, said it was lucky no one else had been injured.
He added: ‘For someone to discharge a firearm over cash and cigarettes from a corner shop is just deplorable.
‘One person injured is bad enough but this could have involved others – including children who could have been in the shop at the time.
‘Officers are currently carrying out doorto-door inquiries and checking CCTV in an effort to trace this man, who obviously has no concern for either staff in the shop or the general public.’
He said police were still trying to establish whether the man made off on foot or had a car nearby.
Mr Gallagher added: ‘The shop is near to a busy road and at this time there may have been a few people about.
‘It’s possible the suspect had been hanging about the area prior to the incident, so if you have seen him or have any information that will help us with our inquiries, it is important you contact police.
‘Additional uniformed patrols are in the area, please speak to them if you have any information to give. Alternatively, please call Drumchapel Police Office via 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.’
The suspect – who is believed to have made off along Dumbarton Road towards Clydebank – was described as a young white man, around 5ft 8in tall and of thin build.
He was dressed in a black hooded jacket and black tracksuit trousers.
Last night, as scenes of crime specialists scoured the area for clues, two police officers were still standing guard outside the shop, which remained closed. There were more officers inside.
Two women, who live around the corner from the shop, said the first they heard there had been a shooting was when they were told by friends.
One of the women, who declined to be named, said: ‘It’s pretty scary that this has happened round here near where our kids play. To think somebody has been carrying a gun around is really worrying.’
A third resident, who lives opposite the shop, said: ‘The scary thing is the shooter is still out there somewhere.’
Other people took to social media to express their shock.
On Facebook, Claire MacKinnon said: ‘Hope the staff member is OK.’
Claire Bryce said: ‘Poor man, get well soon, hope the police get a good response to this, guns to rob a shop? How scary.’