Police investigating the alleged shooting of a 37-year-old man in Greenock in the early hours of Tuesday have asked members of the public to share video footage from the area at the time.
The victim, named locally as dad-of-three Neil Wilson, was found seriously injured at a home in Nairn Road in the Larkfield area of the Inverclyde town at 1.15am. He was rushed to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but he died a short time later.
Locals have told the Record that seven shots were fired, while underworld sources have suggested the alleged shooter took off on an electric scooter, winding their way through a labyrinth of narrow pathways to escape. Chief Inspector Damian Kane, local area commander for Greenock, has urged anyone information to get in touch.
He said: “Obviously this man’s death is devastating for his family and very concerning for the wider community. Please be assured that we have additional high-visibility patrols in the area and should anyone wish to speak to officers and would encourage them to do so whilst respecting cordons that are in place."
The top cop has called for calm in the area following the community-shattering incident. He added: “We appreciate that there may be raised tensions in the area, but again, my officers are there to reassure the community and can be approached by anyone with any concerns they may have following the incident.”
Officers have been carrying out door-to-door inquiries in Larkfield throughout the day. Experts from Police Scotland's Major Investigations Team (MIT) national unit, including scene of crime officers clad in white overalls, have been drafted in to assist with the investigation, having confirmed that they are treating Mr Wilson's death as "suspicious".
MIT Detective Superintendent Cameron Miller said: “Our investigation is still at an early stage. Today, and over the coming days, there will be significant police activity with both uniform and detective officers present within the local area as well as specialist forensic teams, carrying out inquiries into this death.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who was in Nairn Road or the immediate vicinity around 1.15am who may have seen anything suspicious or anyone who has any information relating to this incident. If anyone has dash-cam footage from the street or surrounding area during that time I would urge them to come forward."
Anyone with information that may assist officers with their investigation can get in touch with police by phoning 101, quoting reference number 0151 of Tuesday, 28 February, 2023. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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