Airgun attack victim 'may lose eye'

Published on Saturday 26 February 2011 12:56

A MAN shot with an airgun while he waited for a taxi after a night out is likely to lose his eye, police have said.

The unprovoked attack has been described as "horrific" and the victim's family are said to be "devastated".

The 23-year-old exchanged words with a group as he waited with his girlfriend outside the Fullarton Park Hotel in Glasgow.

A man from the group then shot the victim using what is believed to have been a BB gun before fleeing. It is thought they had been in the same pub before the incident.

The victim was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary but later transferred to Gartnavel Hospital for eye surgery.

Detective Constable Nicola Kilbane from Strathclyde Police said: "We have been unable to speak to the victim due to his serious condition. However, we do know he had been drinking with his girlfriend and a few of her friends in the Fullarton Park Hotel until pub closing time.

"We believe the suspect was with two girls and possibly another man and they were also in the pub prior to closing. As they all stood outside, an argument appears to have taken place and the suspect, without provocation, simply shot at the victim. No disturbance took place at any time.

"The victim is in a very serious condition in hospital and it is probable that he will lose his eye. This is thankfully a highly unusual crime to take place in this area. However, this should not take away from the horrific nature of what has happened, and the victim and his family are devastated. We are all too aware of the tragic consequences using an air weapon can have, and the person responsible must be traced."

The suspect has been described as being in his early to mid-30s, of very slim build with short dark hair. He was wearing jeans and a yellow zipper jacket.