Police Investigate Shooting Near Glasgow School

16 January 2017, 10:59 | Updated: 16 January 2017, 16:43

St George's Primary Glasgow shooting

A man shot in a targeted attack outside a primary school had been cleared of a gangland murder in 2012.

Ross Monaghan, 35, was shot and injured just after 9am near St George's Primary School in the Penilee area of Glasgow.

He was cleared of killing Kevin "Gerbil'' Carroll after a judge ruled there was no case to answer due to insufficient evidence.

Police Scotland firearms officers attended the scene in Penilee and extensive inquiries are under way.

The victim was taken to hospital and his condition is described as stable.

Chief Inspector Simon Jeacocke said: "This is a highly unusual incident and understandably parents, staff, pupils and people in the local community are all very alarmed by this.

"We do believe it was a targeted attack but nonetheless this took place near to a local primary school at the start of the school day, when the area was busy with parents dropping off their children.

"Although it would appear that there was an intended victim, anyone could have been injured as a result, putting young children and innocent people at risk.

"Detectives are carrying out inquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incident and are keen to appeal to anyone who may have seen the incident or who had been in the area at the time to contact police.''

Roads leading to the school were cordoned off as police officers stood guard and a forensics officer combed the pavement outside the building.

Local councillor Alistair Watson said: "Parents are worried about the safety of their children and the kids are the number one priority, to make sure they are safe.

"Penilee is a good area with lots of very good people here.

"I have to commend the police for their operation. They have been very on the ball with this incident.''

Gangland figure Mr Carroll, 29, was shot dead in the Asda car park in Robroyston, Glasgow, on January 13, 2010.

Mr Monaghan was tried for the killing but was acquitted in 2012 after the case against him collapsed during the 18-day trial.

William Paterson was convicted of Mr Carroll's murder in 2015 after being arrested in Madrid a year earlier. He was told he must serve a minimum of 22 years in jail.