A MURDER investigation has been launched after an Airdrie dad was gunned down on his doorstep.

Police chiefs dubbed the slaying of Gary More as a “brutal act” as they appealed for help to catch his killer.

The 32-year-old is understood to have been targeted while outside his home in Gartness Drive around 8.10pm on Thursday.

It’s been reported four people were spotted inside a small, white car which fired 10 shots before making off.

A car matching the description was found burnt out more than 20 miles away near Craigmaddie Road in Balmore later that night.

The dad is understood to have been with another man, who escaped unharmed, at the time of the attack.

Specialist officers have been drafted in to plough through CCTV and quiz terrified neighbours who witnessed the atrocity.

It is thought Mr More was known to police.

Detective Superintendent Jim Smith of the Major Investigation Team, said: “The victim was outside his house in Gartness Drive when a number of shots were fired at him causing fatal injuries. Although the investigation is at an early stage, it is not believed to be a random attack and at this stage we believe the victim has been targeted by the person responsible.

“I am interested in any sightings of a small white coloured vehicle seen in the street at the time of the shooting. I am appealing for anyone who was in the area of the shooting or the area of the burnt out vehicle, who may have witnessed a small white car or anyone acting suspiciously to get in touch with Police Scotland as a matter of urgency.

“Officers are currently carrying out extensive door-to-door enquiries and gathering and reviewing CCTV footage in the area to trace the movements of the car involved”

He added: “We are doing everything we can. I’m committed to identifying the people who committed this horrific crime.

“We can’t do this one our own, we need the public’s assistance.”

Neighbours have been left shaken by the incident.

Jim Kelly, who has lived in the area for 20 years, told the Evening Times: “I was walking my dog at a park in Coatbridge when I spotted a helicopter, I thought it was quite close to where I live but assumed it was looking for someone.

“I came back just after 8pm and there must have been about 20 odd police cars, two ambulances, roads all shut and cordoned off.

“My sister-in-law and her son live on the street. They told me ‘Gary’s been shot’.

“I know him to see but my nephew lived next door. He heard bangs, like fireworks only louder, then realised Gary had been shot.”

The 68-year-old added: “My nephew wasn’t allowed out the house [when police arrived] but his wife and son had only just walked past [Mr More’s house] round to my sister-in-law’s a wee while before [the shooting] - it’s terrifying.”

Mr More worked as a personal trainer, having transformed his back garden into a gym.

It’s understood he moved into the property around three years ago, and lived alone with a pet dog.

Glenn Ferguson, a retired US police officer who moved to the area from the States four years ago, said: “The cops are always up here at that part of the street.

“We got home just after 10pm so we missed it but had seen on social media there was a crime so we called to check our road wasn’t closed.

“I’m not worried. The nefarious crimes here are not crimes of opportunity, unless it’s local kids breaking your window.

“[Police] brought everybody last night – there was a lot of police. It’s just that part of the street that’s the issue.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene, while devastated friends and family have flooded social media with messages of grief.

One friend, who asked not to be named, told the Evening Times he was “devastated” as he lay flowers for his pal, adding Mr More was a “really likeable guy” who will be “really missed” throughout nearby Holytown.

Mr More’s former partner Natasha Holmes shared dozens of moving images of the pair and described him having the “biggest heart”.

She wrote: “I am completely heartbroken and I have never felt pain like this.

“It’s so final and it feels like a dream.

“I always have and always will love and care for you Gary. We couldn’t be together in the end but we couldn’t be without each other either.

“We were always coming back to each other and nothing will take away from how I feel about you. You truly were a lovable, big, gentle giant.”

She added: “How someone can take you away so easily is beyond imaginable in my mind and the pain we are all feeling is unreal.”

One floral tribute read: “You were always in my corner. I’ll never forget you bro, love Andy.” Another added: “Thinking of you always. Goodnight, pal.”