Appeal for witnesses to attack on driver

Police investigating an attack by an armed gang yesterday assured the public that information will be treated in the "strictest confidence".

Officers stepped up efforts to trace witnesses after the violent assault in Glasgow a week ago, which is being treated as attempted murder.

Police were to return to the scene on Maryhill Road outside Kelvin Campus last night at about 11pm - around the time of last week's assault - to interview drivers. The victim, named locally as Bryan Hanlon, 26, was forced off the road and assaulted by six or seven men.

Detective Superintendent Alan Buchanan of Strathclyde Police's Major Investigation Team said: "As part of the ongoing investigation we will be back at the scene one week on, to interview drivers and passers-by.

"I am appealing to anyone who was in the area at the time of the attack to come forward.

"I understand that some members of the public may be nervous about contacting us, but I can assure them that any information we receive will be treated in strict confidence.

"As a result of our investigation, I am now looking for information on a silver BMW 5 Series and a black or dark-coloured Range Rover, both of which were seen driving at high speed on Maryhill Road around the time of the attack."

Mr Hanlon was making his way along Maryhill Road at around 11:30pm when his silver Audi S4 was forced off the road and hit a wall. Armed men then got out of the vehicles and attacked him.

Police would not comment on reports a chisel was used in the assault.

The victim is being treated in hospital for serious head injuries. Medical staff described his condition as critical.

Det Supt Buchanan added: "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident, or has any information that may assist police inquiries, to contact Maryhill Police Office."