Dog dies in shooting after masked gang chase man

A dog has died after a shooting that also left a man injured in North Lanarkshire.

Henry, a white Maltichon, was being walked by his owner when the gun was fired in Cumbernauld just before 7pm on Thursday.

His owner, a 52-year-old woman, suffered a hand injury, while a 27-year-old man was taken to hospital.

The gun was fired in Brunswick Gardens, Cumbernauld, at around 6.55pm on Thursday after three masked men, also armed with knives, got out of a car and chased another man.

The suspects are described as wearing dark clothing and possibly balaclavas.

A silver Ford Focus they were driving was found burnt out Fannyside Mill, Moore Road, at Forrest Road near to Blackthorn Roundabout around 7.55pm the same night.

Police said part of its registration plate read ’67 ZKZ’.

Detective Chief Inspector Gillian Grant, senior investigating officer, said: “This was completely reckless and the fact this happened in a residential street shows the suspects had a complete disregard for the safety of the public.

“A woman who was simply walking her dog has been left absolutely devastated.

“There is an increased police presence in the area and reassurance patrols will be carried out. A team of detectives will be conducting CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.

“I would appeal to the public to contact us with any relevant information about this attack because this behaviour cannot be allowed to happen in our communities.

“I would ask specifically if anyone witnessed the attack or saw a silver Ford Focus shortly before or after the incident to contact us. Also could I appeal to anyone driving in the Eastfield Road and Dullater Road area last night around 6.55pm to check dash cam footage and contact us.”