Gunman opened fire in area 'busy with children playing'

Police are hunting a gunman who opened fire on a North Lanarkshire street as children played nearby.

Officers attended an incident on Gateside Road in Wishaw at around 8.30pm on Wednesday after receiving a report of shots being fired.

No injuries were reported as a result of the disturbance.

It is believed a man walking along Gateside Road was the intended target and enquiries are ongoing to identify him and confirm his whereabouts.

The suspect is described as wearing black bottoms and a black top and is believed to have made off on foot along Glencairn Avenue after the incident.

Detective inspector David Lamont from Wishaw CID said: “The incident took place in a residential area, which was busy with children playing and people going about their daily business, and it is vital we trace the person or persons responsible for this reckless act.

“At this stage, we do not believe the intended target was injured during the disturbance but it is still important we establish their identity and that they are safe and well.

“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Gateside Road or Glencairn Avenue at the time, who either witnessed what happened or saw anything at all untoward. I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to please check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance.”

Area commander chief inspector Gillian Norrie said additional uniform patrols will be in the area to provide reassurance to members of the public

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 3502 of Wednesday, 14 July, 2021, or alternatively by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.