FEARS of a new gangland turf war have gripped Glasgow after three "underworld-style" shootings in the past three months.

Three attacks, including a kneecapping, an abduction and a drive-by shooting, have caused concern that the city could face a return to its once brutal gangland wars.

Gangland Glasgow in modern times has paled in comparison to previous years when the city was notorious for gangsterism and underworld crime.

Underworld sources say the recent shootings are linked to a battle to control the city's drugs market.

Some insiders fear an escalating feud between gangs has led to the spate of shootings in recent weeks in Priesthill, Milton and nearby East Kilbride.

The Sunday Herald understands a Glasgow-based gang was behind the brutal attack which saw a 45-year-old man held captive for two days before he was kneecapped and dumped in the Lanarkshire town.

He was made to put on a forensic-style boiler suit, shot in both legs, and thrown down an embankment close to a busy supermarket in the Stewartfield area of East Kilbride earlier this month.

It is thought the gang planned to abandon their victim at a quiet, secluded, spot outside the city, but they ended up leaving him in plain sight of shocked shoppers.

An underworld source said: "There's been a carve-up of the city, supply wise, and there's been some big changes.

"One side has taken Springburn and the Vale area, while the other lot keep Possil and the southside for themselves.

"But some aren't happy with the new set-up and a few dealers in the east end have been put out of business until they agree to buy from who they have been ordered to.

"We're getting very close to starting a war."

On Wednesday night, almost two weeks after the kneecap attack a 28-year-old man was gunned down just yards from his house in Milton.

He survived the drive-by shooting, but remains in hospital.

A police source said the attacks, including a botched shooting in Priesthill in January, bore all the hallmarks of "targeted" hits.

The police source added: "Three shootings in three months is extremely rare in Glasgow these days.

"We seem to have a throwback to the Glasgow gangs we had to deal with years ago.

"The three incidents are too similar for cops to ignore, and have happened in such quick succession.

"While it really is too early to say either way, all possible lines of inquiry will be looked at."

Suggestions that the city is in danger of returning to the bad old days amid a gangland feud were offically slapped down by police.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "There is nothing to suggest the incidents are linked at this time."

There are some similarities in the cases: two of the attacks involved burned-out suspected getaway cars, but police have remained tight-lipped about the type of firearm used in each shooting.

Fears grew following the latest shooting, which took place at about 7pm on Wednesday, in a quiet residential street. A 28-year-old was shot twice as he stood next to a car in Haywood Street.

However, the Sunday Herald understands detectives are investigating whether the "hit" was a case of mistaken identity.

Detective Inspector Jim Bradley, who is leading the inquiry, said: "We are still establishing whether the injured man was the intended target or not."

A burned-out car - which police believe was used by the attackers - was found in Skirsa Square, Cadder.

Bradely added: "A short time after the shooting, a Mazda car, believed to be maroon or burgundy, was found burned out a short distance away.

"We believe the occupant or occupants were involved in the attack. It is imperative that we catch those responsible for this attack.

"To brazenly discharge a firearm in a residential area is outrageous."

The potentially deadly attack was carried out about a month after the botched shooting in Priesthill.

The 37-year-old intended victim was targeted as he sat in his van in Neilston Avenue on Wednesday January 28.

Again, a burned-out vehicle, believed to be used by the gang behind the attack, was found a short distance away.

The Volkswagen Passat, which was dumped near a popular golf club, had been stolen from Glasgow in August.

Detectives also revealed that a silver or cream "4x4 jeep-style" vehicle was seen driving off from Rouken Glen Golf Club, shortly after the Passat was set alight.

Detective Inspector Greg Wilkie, from Greater Glasgow Division CID, said: "We are still trying to establish a motive for this incident.

"We're very keen to speak to the occupants of the 4x4 vehicle seen driving off minutes after the VW Passat was set alight."