Car targeted man in Castlemilk before hitting children

A car that knocked down a group of children leaving a girl with a broken neck was targeting a man walking in front of them, police have said.

Five youngsters, aged between 12 and 14, were standing on a pavement in Stravanan Road in Castlemilk, Glasgow, around 3.30pm on Saturday when they were hit by a silver Vauxhall Astra.

Police Scotland said the target of the attempted murder was a 21-year-old man who was crossing the road in front of the children.

He was hit by the car which then continued into the young group and reversed back over one injured girl.

The car was later found burnt out with police keeping an open mind'' over potential links to a local gang feud.

The 21-year-old and four of the children were treated for minor injuries while one 14-year-old girl is in a serious but stable condition at Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride, South Lanarkshire.

Her family said she has a broken neck and may need surgery.

The girl's mother told a newspaper: She doesn't know what happened because she had her back to the car.

Whoever did this must hand themselves in. I hope karma catches up with them.

Whoever did this is evil - it's a vile, vile act.''

Police said CCTV showed that more people may have been hurt by the car.

Detective Chief Inspector Craig Willison said: The car went through the group and crashed into another vehicle before reversing and making off out the street. It would appear that the car reversed over a female.

From CCTV it would appear that other people were struck by the car and we would encourage anyone who has been struck by the car to come forward as well and tell us what they know about the incident.''

Officers have spoken to some of the children caught up in the terrifying'' incident as they build up information.

The Astra was found burnt out in a rural spot in Carmunnock and has been moved for forensic checks.

Detective Inspector Peter Sharp added: Those responsible have shown total disregard for the safety of the public, this must have been a terrifying experience for those involved and it's imperative we trace whoever is responsible.

I am appealing to people to contact us with any information, it doesn't matter if you think your information is not important, still pass it on as it could help us piece together the exact circumstances of what has happened and why.

I have no doubt that that local knowledge will be key to this inquiry and I would urge people to get in touch with us.

We understand this incident will be of great concern to the local community and we have additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance to local residents.'

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