Craigneuk gun incident: Man hunt launched after shots fired in Lanarkshire town

A man hunt has been launched after shots were fired in a busy residential area of a town where children were playing.

A man fired a gun on Gateside Road in the Craigneuk area of Wishaw on Wednesday at about 8.30pm.

It is understood the firearm holder was aiming at a man walking on Gateside Road, but he missed and it is believed the target was uninjured in the attack, according to police.

Officers still wish to establish the target’s identity to ensure he is safe and well.

Gateside Road in the Craigneuk area of Wishaw picture: Google maps

Police said the area where the attack happened is busy with children playing and people going about their daily business.

The suspect has been described by witnesses as wearing black bottoms and a black top and he is believed to have fled the scene via Glencairn Avenue after the incident.

Detective Inspector David Lamont from Wishaw CID said: “It is vital we trace the person or persons responsible for this reckless act.

“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.”

Witnesses with any information on the incident can call police on 101, quoting incident number 3502 of Wednesday, 14 July, 2021.

Area Commander Chief Inspector Gillian Norrie said additional uniform patrols will be in the area to provide reassurance to members of the public.

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