Police investigating the murder of a gangland figure in the car park of a Glasgow supermarket have said they are looking for three suspects and have issued an appeal over two number plates.
Strathclyde Police have also confirmed the victim of the shooting at Asda Robyroyston on Wednesday afternoon was Kevin Carroll from Lennoxtown. Detectives say the 29-year-old was shot while he was sitting in the rear of a black Audi car at around 1.25pm. Two other men who were in the car were uninjured.
Officers say they believe three men were involved in the murder, two of whom were wearing masks. Two of them approached the Audi while the other man remained behind in a dark blue Volkswagen Golf. After the shooting, the three men then fled in the Volkswagen. Police said the car, which had the false registration plate YF55 EZZ, was later found in Yetts Hole Road in Glenmavis, Airdrie. It had suffered fire damage.
Police now also know that the car was stolen from Rutherglen in September 2009 with the registration AD04 UFC.
Detective Superintendent Michael Orr said: "The vehicle used by the gunmen was bearing cloned registration plates and was clearly disguised to appear that it had not been stolen should any police officers have carried out basic checks.
"The vehicle had in fact been stolen last September from the Rutherglen area. The true registration number of the vehicle was AD04 UFC. This car is currently undergoing detailed forensic examination in an effort to obtain any potential evidential material. We are carrying out enquiries to establish where this car has been kept over the past four months.”
On Thursday, Paul Martin - MSP for Glasgow Springburn - raised the shooting in the Scottish Parliament. He urged First Minister Alex Salmond and Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill to do more to tackle organised crime.
STV News understands that Carroll, known as 'Gerbil', was shot several times at close range outside at the Saughs Road store. Carroll was known by police to have links with organised crime in the city, including with the infamous Daniel crime gang. His girlfriend Kelly Bo is the daughter of gang boss Jamie Daniel. Detectives said that Mr Carroll was a 'major player' and a 'retribution was likely".
Police also told STV News that there was a £50,000 "bounty" on offer for killing Carroll as a result of the tactics for which he and his associates were renowned. These included dressing in black and pretending to be a police team when breaking down the doors of drug dealers in late-night raids. It is understood the gang figures would then kidnap the main dealer, before torturing him to hand over £50,000.
Detective Superintendent Orr added: "I would again appeal to members of the public who have not yet come forward and know something about this crime, to speak to police.
"I have no doubt that there are people out there who know who was involved in this crime and have reservations about coming forward. I would urge them to do so without delay as it is vital that these killers are arrested and brought to justice.
"There was an alarming degree of recklessness in the execution of this attack and although I have stated previously that the victim was clearly targeted, there is no doubt that someone standing nearby could have been injured "
Any person with information is asked to contact Baird Street Police Office on 01451 532 4191. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained.
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