FEARS of a new gangland turf war in Glasgow were growing today after a man was abducted and kneecapped.

 

The Evening Times understands a Glasgow-based gang were behind the brutal attack, which saw the 45-year-old victim held captive for two days.

He was then dressed in a forensic-style boiler suit, shot in both legs, then thrown down an embankment close to a busy road in East Kilbride.

Despite suggestions of "striking similarities" between the incident and a paramilitary-style attack, police said there was "nothing to suggest a link at this time".

The victim, who has not been named, is believed to be under police guard at Hairmyres Hospital.

His condition is described as stable.

Police stressed the incident was a "targeted" attack after the man was found lying in agony near a supermarket in the town's upmarket Stewartfield area.

Insiders fear the shooting was part of a feud, which could lead to number of "tit-for-tat attacks".

One local said: "The guy was found, bleeding at the roadside.

"He was meant to have been shot in kneecaps then tossed down the embankment."

Police patrols were stepped up in the area in a bid to reassure concerned members of the public after Friday afternoon's incident.

Detective Inspector David Scott said: "I would like to reassure people that our inquiries carried out so far lead us to believe this was a targeted attack.

"A lot of police activity has been ongoing in the area, with specialist officers conducting a detailed examination of the scene.

"Detectives are also in the process of gathering CCTV images from in and around the area.

"House to house inquiries are ongoing in an effort to gather further information."

As reported by the Evening Times, a major police probe was launched as detectives were seen searching the area for clues.

Debris, including a pillow, what appeared to be a bed sheet, and other items of clothing were strewn across the grassy verge.

The woman, who is believed to have found the victim, said he told her he had been held by his captors for two days.

He then said he was driven to the country lane in East Kilbride where he was shot.

The alarm was raised at about 12.15pm on Friday.

Dozens of police and forensic staff were at the scene until late into the evening.

Police swamped the area around the grassy verge, but the gunman managed to give them the slip.

The force helicopter was also drafted in as part of the hunt.

Chief Inspector Pat O'Callaghan, added: "Many people will be concerned but let me assure you we are doing everything we can to locate those responsible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers at East Kilbride Police Office on 101.