Police investigating a murder bid on a man outside a Glasgow school believe the gunman may have been stalking his target days prior to the attack.
Detective Chief Inspector John Kennedy has said that their investigation into the attempt on Ross Monaghan's life has so far revealed that the gunman may have been outside the school on Friday, January 13 with a buggy.
Monaghan, 35, was shot at close range by the gunman who approached him after he dropped his daughter off at school yesterday.
The gunman carried out the attack as Monaghan was walking away from St George’s Primary School in Hollybush Road at Muirdyke Road, Penilee just as classes were about to start.
Police Scotland confirmed that the gunman was pushing a four-wheel, collapsible-type buggy before he discharged the firearm at Monaghan’s back.
Now their enquiries have revealed that the gunman might have been seen by parents last Friday.
Inquiries also continue to locate the buggy which is described as being new, with four-wheels and collapsible. It also had a rain hood attached.
Detective Chief Inspector John Kennedy said: “There’s no doubt that this incident has shocked local people and the wider community, but people can be assured that every effort is being made to trace whoever is responsible for this crime.
“Our inquiries so far have shown that the suspect is believed to have been in the area, outside the school, on Friday 13 January 2017, with the buggy, so I’m appealing to parents, local residents, or anyone who was in the area that day and who may have seen something to contact us.
“It’s possible the suspect made off in a vehicle and I’m asking people in the surrounding areas to think back and consider if they noticed anything unusual or suspicious. Did you see the man with the buggy, did you see him get into a vehicle? Any small detail could prove significant to our inquiries so please do pass it on.”
The attack took place as parents dropped their children off at the school.
The gunman ran onto Hollybrush Road towards Langstile Road.
He was wearing a blue padded jacket, blue jeans, a dark woollen bobble hat and a woollen scarf pulled up around his face.
Police Scotland say they are treating the incident as attempted murder.
Mohammad Almfauani, 33, was taking his children to the school.
He said: “I saw the guy shooting the other, it was so loud.
“I knew then that it was real. “The guy ran up the opposite end of the street from me and I thought I saw him put the gun away but I can’t say for sure.
“I shouted for help for someone to try and stop the guy. “I would have chased him but I did not want my kids to see this.”
It is understood Monaghan then got into a vehicle and travelled to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment.
He was treated for a shoulder injury and has since been discharged from hospital. No-one else was injured during the shooting.
Today, there was a large police presence at the school as parents dropped their children off at the gates.
Forensic officers could also be seen searching a grass area within the school grounds in a bid to gather evidence.
Previously, Mr Monaghan was acquitted of murdering Daniel’s enforcer Kevin Carroll who was shot dead while sitting in the back of an Audi car outside the Asda store in Robroyston, on January 13, 2010.
In 2012, a judge at the High Court in Glasgow ruled there was insufficient evidence to convict him.
The 35-year-old was convicted of selling cocaine in 2011.
He admitted drug dealing last April and was tagged for nine months when he was sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court.
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