Hunt for gunman who shot man at Amigos pub

Aug 19 2010 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

TWO men appeared in court charged with attempted murder after a 23-year-old man was injured during a shooting incident in a Hamilton town centre pub.

Neil Fotheringham (43) and 39-year-old William Edwards, both of Hamilton, appeared on petition at the town’s Sheriff Court on Tuesday following a firearms incident at Amigos Bar and Restaurant in Townhead Street on Saturday night.

The pair also faced firearms charges, two assault charges and a breach of the peace.

They made no plea or declaration and were remanded in custody pending further police enquiries.

Both are expected to make a second court appearance next Tuesday or Wednesday.

Police launched their enquiries after reports of a shooting at Amigos on Saturday at 10.55pm.

Jamie Shanks was taken to Wishaw General Hospital with minor injuries after shots were fired in the premises.

Pub revellers were shocked as the 23-year-old was complaining of a back injury.

Officers rushed to Amigos about 10.55pm after reports that a firearm had been discharged within the premises.

Mr Shanks has been released from hospital.

One onlooker told the Advertiser: “I was standing near the bar and I heard gun shots.

“Everyone was running about in the pub in a panic.

“People ran to one side of the pub to take cover. They were frightened and it was a scary experience.”

The eyewitness said everyone was told to leave the pub following the incident.

He added: “It was a typical Saturday night and the pub was very busy.

“People were screaming. “It was lucky that no-one was killed.

“The man was taken away in an ambulance by paramedics.

“Everyone then left the pub.”

Police cordoned off part of Keith Street and Townhead Street following the shooting.

People returning to work in the town centre on Monday morning were stunned to find a white van acting as mobile police station parked in Townhead Street.

Two community police officers were standing at each of the restaurant’s entrances in Keith Street and Townhead Street.

Police appealed for witnesses following the incident.

A Strathclyde Police spokeswoman said this week: “We can confirm that two men, aged 39 and 43, have been arrested in connection with the alleged incident and were detained in police custody.

“A report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.”

Anyone with information on the incident should Hamilton CID on 483300, or alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where calls are free and anonymity can be maintained.