Family of shot man 'devastated'

Mar 16 2012

The family of a man who was shot dead on his doorstep last week have said they are "devastated" and "will miss him every day".

Brian Harkins, 45, was found at the door of his house in Westmuir Place, Rutherglen, near Glasgow, at around 10.10am on Wednesday March 7. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

His sisters Eleanor, 54, and Maria, 52, attended a press conference to appeal for any information on the death.

A family statement read by a Strathclyde Police family liaison officer said: "Brian was a loving son, brother and father. His murder has left a void in all our lives which can 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."

Mr Harkins' mother was said to be "inconsolable" over his death.

Earlier this week, officers spoke to 768 people as they stopped commuters passing the area where he died.

Officers believe Mr Harkins, who was known to police, had been targeted in the attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Kenny Graham said he was "very pleased" with the response from the public and that officers are following "several additional lines of inquiry".

Officers are continuing to carry out extra patrols in the area in an effort to reassure the public. Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Helen Street police office on 0141 532 5415 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.