Fears of a gangland feud in Glasgow murder

Is Glasgow about to erupt in yet another gangland tit-for-tat killing spree? That's the concern everyone is talking about.
Euan Johnston, 26, was killed during the fatal shootingEuan Johnston, 26, was killed during the fatal shooting
Euan Johnston, 26, was killed during the fatal shooting

Murder victim Euan Johnston’s father, also named Euan was jailed for six-and-a-half years in September 2014 after being caught with £2million of heroin.

Johnston Senior, (44) from the Maryhill area of the city, was arrested on June 9 that year and later pled guilty to being concerned in the supply of the Class A drug.

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Senior investigating officer, DS Jim Kerr said at a press call yesterday that the victim was “known to police” and when asked if the shooting was linked to the Glasgow drugs underworld said: “There could be an association or particular motive but we’re keeping our options open at the moment in relation to that.”

Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.
Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.

Meanwhile Police Scotland has located and seized a burned out Audi Q5 which had been dumped in Possil following the callous shooting near Shields Road subway station in the southside of Glasgow.

Officers were alerted to the car shortly after the murder of Euan Johnston (26) who was apparently targeted by his assailant as he was sitting in his black Audi RS4 estate car at the junction with Scotland Street near the underground on Tuesday (November 15) around midnight as he returned home after a night out.

The Q5 was believed to have left the scene of the crime in the direction of the Kingston Bridge.

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Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr said: “We’re interested in it. It’s a Q5 so we’re interested in it.

Scotland Street was sealed off after the callous murder of Euan JohnstonScotland Street was sealed off after the callous murder of Euan Johnston
Scotland Street was sealed off after the callous murder of Euan Johnston

“It’s a bit significant that within ten minutes of this incident happening, there’s a car on fire round about the Milton/Possil area.

“It’s something we’re not excluding from this inquiry, that’s for sure.”

Mr Johnston was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where medics were unable to save his life.

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Local streets which had been sealed off while forensic officers scoured the scene for clues to this alarming incident have now reopened.

Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.
Officer stands guard at the scene of the shooting incident in Scotland Street.

DS Kerr from the Major Investigations Team, also said:“Mr Johnston had just stopped at a pedestrian crossing on Shields Road, just south of its junction with Scotland Street, when he was approached by the Audi Q5. Someone from that vehicle shot him and then the car sped off in a northerly direction on Shields Road and turned east into Scotland Street towards the Kingston Bridge.

“This was obviously a targeted attack. Although it was quite late at night, this can be a busy area and there could have been a number of people walking by or in vehicles. Thankfully, no one else was injured but the incident was witnessed by members of the public. This is a shocking incident and something that no one should have to witness.

“At this time there is no description of anyone in the suspect car, however, officers are currently checking CCTV in the area in an effort to trace its movements and specialist officers will carry out forensic tests on the car.

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“Additional officers are on patrol in the area and I would urge anyone with information or any concerns at all, to speak to them there. A major inquiry has been set up by Greater Glasgow Division and the Major Investigations Team and other specialist resources from across the country. ”

Anyone with information about the murder should contact officers at Baird Street Police Office via 101 or alternatively, details can be given in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.