Man left fighting for his life after gangland-style attack

A MAN was last night fighting for his life following a gangland-style beating after his car was forced off the road.

Brian Hanlon was assaulted a week after his twin brother James suffered a similar attack.

Mr Hanlon, 26, was in a critical condition in hospital following the attack by an armed gang in Glasgow.

Police are treating the assault on Maryhill Road as attempted murder.

The victim was dragged from his Audi S4 car after it was rammed into a wall, and set upon by a group of up to seven people armed with knives and hammers.

Mr Hanlon suffered serious injuries to his head and groin, but is thought to have escaped with his life after police were called to the scene at about 11:30pm on Sunday night.

He was taken to Glasgow Western Infirmary but later transferred to the city's Southern General Hospital.

It is believed the attacks on the twins are linked to an ongoing drugs feud.

A gangland source said: "Mr Hanlon had been in the car with a friend when they were attacked.

"The friend managed to get away but around six to seven thugs got hold of Mr Hanlon and launched a brutal beating.

"His ear was left hanging off and it is being said he has suffered horrific damage to his private parts. It must have been a bloodbath.

"This has happened exactly a week after his brother was held down and attacked with a power drill.

"They both have been hunted down and attacked in vicious street hits. Whoever is behind this has sent a clear message to the brothers."

James Hanlon was the victim of a horrific attack when a gang of thugs drilled into his head with a power tool.

He was taken to hospital with blood pouring from his head.

The Hanlons were friends of Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll, 29, who was shot dead in an Asda superstore car park at Robroyston in Glasgow in January. They both attended his funeral in May.

Strathclyde Police appealed for information about Sunday night's attack.

A spokeswoman said: "At about 11:30pm on Sunday night, police were called to a report of a man seriously injured in Maryhill Road, outside Kelvin Campus.

"The injured man was taken to the Western Infirmary, then later transferred to the Southern General Hospital, where he is being treated for serious head injuries. Hospital staff describe his condition as critical."

Detective Chief Inspector Anne McKerchar said: "The investigation is at an early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident and to trace those responsible.

"Officers are carrying out inquiries in the area and checking CCTV footage in an effort to gather more details.

"It appears the injured man was driving his Audi S4 on Maryhill Road when the car was forced off the road by another vehicle and struck a wall.

"I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident last night, or has any information that may assist police inquiries to contact the Maryhill Police Office."