Terrified locals have told of being scared to leave their homes after hearing gun shots in a Scots town as a forensics cops comb the scene.
We told how officers swarmed the Craigneuk area of Wishaw in North Lanarkshire last night.
Police this morning confirmed that they responded to reports of a firearms incident in Gateside Road at around 8.30pm.
Video footage show a police helicopter hovering over the residential area as locals saw 'armed officers' patrolling the scene on the ground.
Dramatic pictures today show police tape and officers cordoning off the area around junction of Glencairn Avenue and Gateside Road.
Forensics cops in white suits have been seen methodically combing the area with a huge number of police vehicles on the scene.
Meanwhile what is suspected to be plain clothes police officers have been seen around the vans.
Residents of the area, which is populated with youngsters and has a local skatepark nearby, have told the Record of being 'terrified in their own home' after the apparent gun volley.
One said: "It was terrifying we were sat in the house and heard loud gun shots, it was like 2 bangs.
"They were so loud. We didn’t know where they came from at all, but we were scared to leave the house."
Another added that the police presence had remained high.
He said: "Police have been down here since last night and the whole bottom of the road.
"We don’t have a clue who it could have been but it makes you terrified in your own home."
Another added that local parents would be fearful.
She said: "People with young families live all along here and to think people are saying guns were being fired.
"We think it’s so so scary that kids could have been caught up in it.
"People should be ashamed."
Another local added: "I was in the shower and didn’t hear a thing. Some people heard it others didn’t.
"I just looked just looked out my window and saw a whole crowd of people. Kids live here it’s not right."
Another resident said: "‘I was out last night and came home this morning to police everywhere.
"People are saying they thought it was fireworks at the time. Now we’re hearing it could be a gun. It’s terrible.
"The kids can’t get to the skatepark. Family and friends can’t come visit people in the houses inside the tape."
Officers confirmed that at this stage there is 'no trace of anyone being injured'.
It is believed a man walking along Gateside Road was the intended target and enquiries are ongoing to identify him and confirm his whereabouts.
The suspect is described as wearing black bottoms and a black top and is believed to have made off on foot along Glencairn Avenue after the incident.
Detective Inspector David Lamont from Wishaw CID said: “The incident took place in a residential area, which was busy with children playing and people going about their daily business, and it is vital we trace the person or persons responsible for this reckless act.
“At this stage, we do not believe the intended target was injured during the disturbance but it is still important we establish their identity and that they are safe and well.
“I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area of Gateside Road or Glencairn Avenue at the time, who either witnessed what happened or saw anything at all untoward. I would also urge any motorists with dash-cams who were nearby to please check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland through 101, quoting incident number 3502 of Wednesday, 14 July, 2021, or alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Area Commander Chief Inspector Gillian Norrie said: “This incident will understandably cause alarm within the community and a thorough investigation is underway to identify those involved.
“Additional uniform patrols will be in the area to provide reassurance to members of the public and I would urge anyone with concerns, or who may have information which could assist the investigation, to approach our officers who will be happy to assist.”
Anyone with information or those who witnessed the disturbance are being urged to contact police.
Officers stressed that information can be passed on anonymously by calling Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
