Man shot dead in village street

A murder inquiry has been launched after a shooting in a village street.

Strathclyde Police said John Finnegan, 48, was walking down Bank Street in Neilston, East Renfrewshire, when he was approached by a man and shot last night.

He was taken to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow where he died.

No-one else was injured in the incident and detectives said the man may have been targeted.

The suspect is described as stocky, about 5ft 7in and was wearing dark clothing and a dark hat.

Police said the suspect made off on foot from Bank Street into Hillside Road following the shooting around 8pm yesterday.

Detective Superintendent John McSporran said: "It is still very early in our inquiry and we have yet to establish a motive for this crime. However, we believe the man may have been targeted.

"I'm sure there will be people in the community who will have information about this crime but who may have reservations about getting in touch with us.

"I would appeal to them to please contact us as a matter or urgency, it is vital we trace whoever is responsible for this.

"I understand people will have many concerns about the incident yesterday but I would like to reassure them that this was not a random attack and they should not be worried about their safety.

"Additional officers will be patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the public. If anyone has any information, I urge them to please get in touch with us."

Police confirmed Mr Finnigan had been shot close to his home in a targeted attack after returning from taking his stepdaughter to a Halloween disco at a school.

He was shot at close range with a handgun. He was alone at the time.

Mr McSporran said Mr Finnigan was known to police but he would not give further details.

He said: "While he may have been involved in crime in the past, this was a callous attack on a man in the middle of a busy street.

"Mr Finnigan had a family. He had children. He had people who loved him and this is without question a terrible, brutal crime.

"I have no doubt that there are people within the community who will know about this murder."

He added: "Someone knows who did this."

He said police had not yet determined whether the murder was linked to ganglands or if it was a personal feud.

PA