Father shot dead in ‘hit’ as he returns from daughter’s Halloween disco

A MAN was shot dead at close range, in what police believe was either a gangland execution or the result of a personal feud, after dropping his stepdaughter off at a Halloween school disco.

Police believe John Finnigan, 48, was deliberately targeted as he walked near his home in Neilston, East Renfrewshire, on Thursday night.

The victim was known to police and had been “involved in crime in the past”.

He was walking alone in a busy street when he was approached by a stocky man wearing dark clothing and a hat.

The killer shot him with a handgun and then fled into nearby Hillside Road.

Armed police and other emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Finnigan was taken to the Southern General Hospital, in Glasgow, by paramedics, but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Police immediately sealed off the scene and put a cordon in place around the Finnigan family home.

The gunman is described as being about 5ft 7in and stocky.

Police believe the key to solving the crime lies in the community.

Detective Superintendent John McSporran appealed to people living locally, who may have information about the murder, to come forward.

“It is still very early in our inquiry and we have yet to establish a motive for this crime,” he said.

“However, we believe the man may have been targeted.

“I’m sure there will be people in the community who will have information about this crime, but who may have reservations about getting in touch with us.”

“I would appeal to them to please contact us as a matter or urgency. It is vital we trace whoever is responsible for this.”

He said police were open-minded about the motive for the crime.

However, officers are investigating possible gangland motives for the murder.

Mr McSporran said Mr Finnigan was known to police, but would not give any further details. He added: “While he may have been involved in crime in the past, this was a callous attack on a man in the middle of a busy street.

“Mr Finnigan had a family. He had children.

“He had people who loved him and this is without question a terrible, brutal crime.

Mr McSporran stressed that, because the attack had been targeted, residents should not fear their personal safety.

“I understand people will have many concerns about the incident yesterday

“I would like to reassure them that this was not a random attack and they should not be worried about their safety,” he said.

He added, however, that additional officers would be patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the public.

Police spent yesterday continuing to carry out door-to-door inquiries, while forensic officers have searched gardens for clues.