Fresh police appeal over car that could be key to Glasgow murder investigation
Police have stopped over 300 drivers a week on from the shooting of Euan Johnston, looking for information about a burnt-out Audi Q5 linked to the crime
Detectives investigating a fatal shooting in Glasgow are appealing for more information about a car seen in the area, which could be significant to the investigation.
Police stopped 244 drivers in Shields Road on Tuesday night in the area where 26-year-old Euan Johnston was shot one week earlier, and another 103 motorists near to where a burnt-out Audi Q5 linked to the crime was found in the Parkhouse area.
A total of 485 people in the Kinning Park and Parkhouse areas were questioned as part of Police Scotland's efforts to trace those responsible for the murder.
As a result of the operation, officers have received information about a dark-coloured car, possibly a Volkswagen Golf, being driven at speed in Balmore Road at around 12.05am on Wednesday November 16.
Officers also wish to identify three men seen running on Balmore Road near the disused railway line shortly before midnight on the night of the shooting.
At the time of the shooting, the dark blue Q5 had the registration number VN61 LZA, however police have revealed it was stolen from Parklands Country Club, Newton Mearns, on May 16 and its original number plate was SW62 NGU.
Officers are urging anyone with information on the whereabouts of the vehicle between when it was stolen and the night of the shooting to come forward.
Mr Johnston was shot at a pedestrian crossing at 11.40pm on Tuesday November 15 while in a black Audi RS4. An occupant of the Q5 shot him when it pulled up alongside his car. That vehicle then made off at speed, turned into Scotland Street, West Street and then headed on to the Kingston Bridge.
It turned off the bridge at William Street, travelled along North Street and went on to the M8 eastbound at Charing Cross. It left the motorway at the Springburn junction, continued along Springburn Road via Colston Road, Ashgill Road and then on to Bracken Street.
Both cars are undergoing extensive forensic examinations by Police Scotland.
Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr, said:
As a result of last night's operations, we have received information on a dark-coloured car, possibly a Volkswagen Golf, being driven at speed in Balmore Road around 12.05am on Wednesday November 16. This was near to the area where the Audi Q5 was set on fire.
We are also working to identify three men seen running onto Balmore Road near the disused railway line shortly before midnight on the night of the shooting.
At this time we do not know if the vehicle is linked to the murder inquiry, but we cannot rule anything out.
We are currently studying CCTV footage from the Balmore Road and Parkhouse areas and will be carrying out further inquiries in the area to gather more information.
There are additional officers on patrol to provide public reassurance, and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to officers.
In terms of the Audi Q5, I would ask people to think about whether they may have seen an Audi Q5 for sale at a reduced or discounted price, or if an Audi Q5 was offered to you for sale.
Again, I would urge people with information on this crime, or anyone with dash cam footage to contact us.''