A FAMILY has made an emotional appeal to help catch a gunman who murdered a beloved son at his South Lanarkshire home.

As police continue their probe into the shooting of Brian Harkins, 45, his family should have been preparing for a double celebration tomorrow.

Instead of looking forward to Mother's Day and Mr Harkins's 46th birthday, relatives have made a plea for information.

Two of his sisters, Eleanor, 54, and Maria, 52, wiped away tears as a statement was read on their behalf.

His elderly mother Ellen, 79, has been left inconsolable following Mr Harkins death on March 7.

Mr Harkins, who was known to police, was shot dead at his home in Rutherglen at 8am.

His widowed mother had wanted to make a personal plea for help in catching her son's killer, but was too distraught.

The statement spoke of how Mr Harkins was a loving son, brother and father and his death has left a void in the family's life which will never be filled.

It went on to say: "We will miss him every day. Not only is it Mother's Day on Sunday but Brian should have been celebrating his 46th birthday.

"We want to ask on behalf of ourselves, our mum and all our family, that if anyone has any information about what happened to Brian, no matter what it is, to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Police were also quick to reassure the public this was not a random incident.

Chief Inspector Craig Ritchie said: "This is an isolated incident and is not normal behaviour."

The family plea came just days after police quizzed around 800 people about the shooting during a major roadblock operation.

Detectives also boarded buses and spoke to passengers who may have been passing around the time of the incident.