A MAN shot the owner of an equestrian centre and wounded his son before turning the gun on himself in an attack that shocked a quiet village.
Dozens of armed police officers raced to Meadowhead Farm and riding school in Auldhouse, South Lanarkshire, yesterday morning following reports of a shooting at around 8.10am.
A 59-year-old man, believed to be the centre's owner, Peter Thompson, was found dead at the scene. The body of a 53-year-old man was found in a nearby car.
Mr Thompson's 36-year-old son, named locally as John, was also shot in the legs. He managed to flee to nearby Auldhouse village in a car and was given first aid by a construction worker outside the Auldhouse Arms Pub before he was airlifted to Hairmyres Hospital.
The 53-year-old man was named locally last night as Robert McCormick, a driver involved with a haulage firm Mr Thompson is said to have been involved with.
Police would not confirm the identities of the men involved yesterday and said only the 53-year-old man was not related to the other two victims. A spokesman would not confirm whether he had taken his own life.
However, officers revealed they were investigating a linked incident several miles away in the Clarkston area of East Renfrewshire which had led to a witness being interviewed.
Neighbours saw armed officers force open the door of a house, believed to be Mr McCormick's home.
Superintendant Elaine Ferguson, of Police Scotland, said: "Extensive inquires are ongoing. However, there is no threat to the public and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
Ms Ferguson said none of the men were known to police.
She added: "The scene has now been handed over to the CID officers. They have attended there with a number of other specialist resources."
Mr Thompson was granted permission in 2000 to develop the riding school into an international standard equestrian centre. He was made bankrupt the same year and has since been embroiled in a long-running feud with neighbours over an access road leading to his property and damage caused to it during building works at his equestrian centre. He was also fined £10,000 last year for unauthorised tipping at the farm.
The equestrian centre was closed last night, with a message on its page saying all lessons and treks were cancelled until further notice.
A floral tribute left at the scene read: "RIP Peter. A true gentleman. You will be sadly missed."
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