Man shot dead in East Renfrewshire village

Strathclyde Police said John Finnegan, 48, was walking down Bank Street in Neilston when he was approached by a man and shot last night.

He was taken to the Southern General Hospital in Glasgow where he died.

No-one else was injured in the incident and detectives said the man may have been targeted.

The suspect is described as stocky, about 5ft 7in and was wearing dark clothing and a dark hat.

Police said the suspect made off on foot from Bank Street into Hillside Road following the shooting around 8pm yesterday.

Detective Superintendent John McSporran said: “It is still very early in our inquiry and we have yet to establish a motive for this crime. 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.

“I understand people will have many concerns about the incident yesterday but I would like to reassure them that this was not a random attack and they should not be worried about their safety.

“Additional officers will be patrolling the area to provide reassurance to the public. If anyone has any information, I urge them to please get in touch with us.”