Blantyre shooting: Murder inquiry launched after man, 26, shot from behind in broad daylight in back gardens of South Lanarkshire street

Graham Williamson, 26, was shot by a man who had approached him from behind as he made his way through back gardens in Caithness Street in High Blantyre, Blantyre, at about 5pm on Monday. It is understood he had been reluctant to use the street to reach his car which was being uplifted after being deliberately set on fire last Thursday. Police said Mr Williamson managed to make his way back on to Caithness Street where he was assisted by members of the public until paramedics arrived. He was then taken to University Hospital Wishaw where he died a short time later. His family have been made aware and a report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Hunt for suspect Detective Superintendent Kevin Jamieson, Major Investigation Teams, said: “Mr Williamson had been on Caithness Street having his car uplifted as it had been deliberately set alight last Thursday, August 13. 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 enquiry. Maybe you have dash-cam footage of the area or indeed the surrounding streets into which maybe the dark coloured car the suspect made off? “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, 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. Anyone with information should contact police 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. High visibility officers will remain in the area and members of the public are encouraged to speak to them should they have any concerns or information. A Scottish Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: “We were alerted at 1.22am on Thursday, August 13 to reports of a car on fire. "Operations Control mobilised one fire appliance to Caithness Street in Blantyre and firefighters extinguished the fire which had taken hold of two cars and one van.” A message from the Editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. Subscribe to scotsman.com and enjoy unlimited access to Scottish news and information online and on our app. Visit https://www.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website. Joy Yates Editorial Director