German tourist shot dead near Scottish ferry port: Road checks set up as armed police and RAF helicopters join search for gunman

A GERMAN tourist was killed and his wife and daughter seriously injured in a mysterious shooting in western Scotland yesterday, writes John Arlidge.

Detectives were last night interviewing the man's 16-year-old son, who was treated for gunshot wounds at Garrick Hospital in Stranraer.

The boy said the shootings occurred during an attempted robbery. A man armed with a shotgun and a knife knocked on the door of the family's Volkswagen caravanette demanding money. He opened fire when his father said he did not have any. The vehicle was parked on waste ground next to the Cairnryan ferry port near Stranraer.

His mother and sister were in a 'serious but stable' condition last night after surgery at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Hospital.

Road checks were set up on all main routes out of the area and armed police and RAF helicopters were called in to search for the gunman. Detectives said the man may have sought refuge in nearby hills.

He was described as white, in his forties, of medium build with a beer belly, 5ft 9ins tall, with grey hair and a florid complexion. He wore a beige jacket and grey trousers. Chief Inspector Jim Callander, of Dumfries and Galloway Police, said the shootings were 'confusing'.

'It has come as a great surprise. This is a very rural area with very few people living here. We are not ruling out any possibilities.'

The killing comes at a time of heightened concern for the safety of tourists world-wide following recent attacks. Police last night warned the public not to approach the man.

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