Man 'shot in the head' by masked gunman in Maryhill

A man is critically ill in hospital after he was shot in the head by a masked gunman at a set of traffic lights in the Maryhill area of Glasgow.

BBC Scotland understands the victim, named locally as Kenny Reilly, 29, was the passenger in a silver BMW which was being driven by a woman.

Mr Reilly, from Ruchill, was taken to the city's Royal Infirmary where he is in a critical condition.

The targeted shooting happened on Bilsland Drive about 22:20 on Monday.

It is understood the gunman, who was wearing a black balaclava, got out of a dark vehicle and fired a number of shots before fleeing the scene.

Police said a black people carrier was found later burnt out at Craigieburn Gardens, Maryhill.

Detectives believe the shooting, which is being treated as attempted murder, is connected to a local feud.

Det Supt Kenny Graham said: "Whoever is responsible for this shooting clearly has no regard for the safety of those living in this busy residential area, and they must be caught.

"We are continuing our inquiries today to establish a motive for this crime, and although we believe that this was a targeted attack and that the 29 year-old man was the intended victim, we are pursuing all lines of inquiry.

"Extensive forensic examinations are ongoing in both Bilsland Drive and Craigieburn Gardens where the burnt-out vehicle was found."

The detective encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward.

He added: "Officers are pursuing all lines of inquiry, however we do need the help and support of the local community.

"I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in the area prior to the shooting, any witnesses to the incident, or who has any information whatsoever to contact Maryhill Police Office."

'Four loud bangs'

One man told BBC Scotland he heard "four loud bangs".

Callum Youde, 23, who was staying with friends on Maryhill Road, described "distinctive gunshots".

The arts student from Dundee said: "You could tell what the sound was - it was like the noise from a movie.

"There were about four distinctive gunfire shots.

"I went outside to see what had happened.

"There was nothing then a few minutes later the area was full of police vans and emergency services.

"It was certainly alarming to hear gunfire close to where we are."

Local resident Eileen Horsham, 49, spoke of her shock that guns were being used in the street.

She said: "I was in the shower at the time, so I didn't hear the shots.

"But my daughter who stays nearby phoned to say 'what was that?' She said it sounded like fireworks, but it was a tinny noise.

"Violence is one thing, but guns is something different altogether - and not something anyone would want to see on our streets.

"It's really shocking."

A resident, who did not want to be named, also said she heard "gunfire shots".

She added: "I heard a couple of shots from my window. I just stay along the road.

"It's a terrible thing to happen. I never saw anything though."

A police cordon extended from the junction of Bilsland Drive and Maryhill Road, along Bilsland Drive to Ruchill Park.

The road closures were causing local disruption.

A number of businesses within the vicinity of the cordon were closed on Monday.

Police also sought to reassure the local community.

Chief Insp Vicky Little said: ""High visibility patrols are being carried out in the area and an incident caravan is being set up in the vicinity.

"Members of the public are encouraged to speak to the police about any concerns they may have."