Police appeal after 34-year-old Hamilton man is shot

Nov 14 2008

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a 34-year-old man was shot in an early-morning incident in Hamilton.

The victim was taken to Hairmyres Hospital, seriously injured with a gunshot wound which he had sustained in Lorne Street, Hamilton, at around 7.30am on Thursday, November 13. His condition is described as stable.

Detectives are treating the incident as attempted murder and are appealing to a woman and a man who are potential witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Thomson of Hamilton CID, said: "We believe that the injured man was the intended victim and want to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to trace the person or persons responsible.

"As we said earlier, the area around Lorne Street would have been busy with people and we are keen to speak to anyone who may be able to assist us with our enquiry. In particular, we want to trace a young woman who was in Lorne Street or Burnbank Road who we believe has seen something of significance.

"This young woman approached a man and woman at the corner of Burnbank Road and Lorne Street immediately after the sound of gun fire was heard. The young woman was apparently frightened and asked the couple if she could walk with them. The young woman then remarked that she had just seen someone with a gun.

"The woman is described as being aged mid to late twenties and about 5 feet 6 inches in height. She was dressed in a dark coloured 3/4 length coat and was wearing a distinctive hat. She gave the impression that she either lived or worked locally.

"Enquiries have also revealed that there have been sightings of a male wearing a yellow coloured fluorescent jacket in the Burnbank Road, Lorne Street area around the time the sound of shots was heard. We also want to trace this man as he may well have been in a position to witness something of significance to this enquiry.

"I would ask any witnesses or anyone who thinks they may have information regarding this incident to contact Hamilton CID on 01698 483300. Alternatively, information can be passed to CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained."