Family plea over shooting murder of Brian Harkins in Rutherglen

Two women whose brother was shot dead outside his home in South Lanarkshire have made an emotional appeal for help in catching his killer.

Brian Harkins, 45, died from gunshot wounds on the doorstep of his home in Westmuir Place, Rutherglen, on 7 March.

During a news conference, attended by his sisters Eleanor and Maria, police said Mr Harkins family had been left devastated by his murder.

The family asked anyone with information to contact police.

The family statement said: "Brian was a loving son, brother and father. His murder has left a void in all our lives which will never be filled. We will miss him every day.

"Brian should have been looking forward to this weekend. Not only is it Mother's Day on Sunday, but Brian would have been celebrating his 46th birthday.

"Brian was such a funny guy and everyone loved his incredible sense of humour and his smile would light up any room.

"The entire family are devastated at our loss and fail to understand why he has been taken from us in this terrible way.

"We want to ask on behalf of ourselves, our mum who is inconsolable over the loss of her son, and all our family, that if anyone has any information about what happened to Brian last Wednesday, no matter what it is, to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Police believe Mr Harkins was targeted and his murder was not a random attack.

On Wednesday, officers spoke to 768 people as they stopped commuters passing the area where he was shot dead. Police said they were "very pleased" with the response.