Murder inquiry after man shot and killed in Blantyre

A murder inquiry has been launched after a man was shot and killed in Blantyre – in what police believe is a targeted attack.

Graham Williamson, from Caithness Street in the town, was in the back gardens of the road at around 5pm on Monday with his car being uplifted after being set alight last Thursday.

The 26-year-old was then shot by a man who approached him from behind.

He managed to make his way back on to the street where he was helped by members of the public until an ambulance arrived.

Mr Williamson was then taken to University Hospital Wishaw where he died a short time later.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Jamieson, from major investigation teams, said: “Mr Williamson had been on Caithness Street having his car uplifted as it had been deliberately set alight last Thursday.

“He left for a short time heading back towards the rear gardens of his home nearby when he was shot by a man who ran up behind him.

“He managed to get back to friends who tried to help him until the ambulance arrived. Unfortunately, he died at the hospital not long afterwards.

“The suspect, only described at this time as wearing dark clothing and either a hood or balaclava covering his face, was seen getting into a dark-coloured car waiting nearby. It then drove off at speed out of Caithness Street.

“Officers are currently checking CCTV and speaking to witnesses, however, are still keen to hear from anyone who may have any information that will assist their inquiry.

“Maybe you have dashcam footage of the area or indeed the surrounding streets into which maybe the dark-coloured car the suspect made off?”

Mr Williamson's family is aware and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal.

High-visibility officers will remain in the area, police say, with members of the public encouraged to speak to them if they have concerns or information.

As part of the appeal for information, an online portal has been set up to send information direct to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus in Gartcosh.

DS Jamieson added: “We believe that this was a targeted attack and may be linked to the car being set alight, however, whether it was or not doesn't matter; this was a shooting in a residential area with other people about in the early evening.

“It is imperative we catch those responsible for Graham's murder and we would ask locals or indeed anyone with information to get in touch.

“Police Scotland recently set up the Major Incident Public Portal which is a website that gives members of the public access to a form so they can send information direct to the major incident teams based at the Scottish Crime Campus via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/SCOT19S01-PO1.

“I would encourage anyone with information to contact us through this website or to call us on 101, quoting reference number 2517 of 17 August 2020.

“Alternatively, if you would prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

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