DETECTIVES investigating a gangland attack in Cumbernauld where an innocent dog was killed want to trace the movements of a car used by the gang involved. 

The force said the silver Ford Focus may have been in the area prior to the attack which happened in Brunswick Gardens on Thursday night - and is hoping witnesses will come forward. 

 

Their appeal comes after we reported that Maltichon pooch Henry was killed while his owner suffered hand injuries after being grazed by a bullet.

Glasgow Times:

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A 27-year-old man, who was the target of the attack, was being treated in hospital for back injuries. He has since been released from the hospital. 

The four men, who were wearing dark clothing and balaclavas, drove the car into the residential street and chased their victim while carrying a firearm, which was fired, and a bladed weapon.

The silver Ford Focus was later found burnt out at Fannyside Mill, Moore Road, at Forrest Road near to Blackthorn Roundabout around 7.55 pm the same night. The partial registration plate is 67 ZKZ.

Detective Chief Inspector Gillian Grant, senior investigating officer, said she is keen to gather information around the movements of the silver Ford Focus.

She said: "Our enquiries so far have led us to believe the car may have been in the area prior to the incident taking place. I would appeal to the public who remember seeing the car or a car matching that description being driven erratically after the incident to contact us. If anyone has dash cam footage, please check it and send any relevant footage to us via the online portal.

"It is rare for a member of the public to be caught up in this and I would reiterate how important it is for people to come forward and help us trace the people responsible."

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The force has meanwhile opened up an online portal in a bid to get key witnesses to come forward.

The Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) is a website that gives the public access to a form so they can send information directly to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus.

This is the first time the MIPP has been used by Police Scotland since its official launch on January 6.

DCI Grant added: "If anyone has any relevant information about this incident, please contact us on 101 quoting incident number 3095 of 23 January 2020 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."