THE MAN who was shot in the face outside a Rutherglen vets this week was reportedly targeted amid ‘links to gangland figures’.

The Evening Times previously told how a man was shot in the face while sitting in his parked van on Monday evening.

The 37-year-old victim, who was later named as Clydebank kennels owner Scott Bennett, managed to drive off from the attempted murder bid near Cambuslang and raised the alarm at a nearby restaurant.

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Now, The Scottish Sun claims the murder bid was linked to Mr Bennett’s links with senior gangland figures as opposed to an apparent ongoing puppy farm feud.

A source told the newspaper: “He has been known in gangland circles for many years.

“This shooting has nothing to do with his puppy business.

“Scott has many high-level associates so, if someone has taken a liberty, then there will be repercussions.”

Police Scotland said Mr Bennett was waiting in his white Peugeot van in the car park of Taylor Veterinary Practice in East Kilbride Road at around 5.30pm when a light-coloured BMW 3 Series Coupe pulled up beside him.

READ MORE: Man shot outside vet named as Clydebank kennels owner Scott Bennett

The passenger in the BMW, who was wearing a high visibility vest, got out of the car with a gun and shot the victim through the window.

The victim sped off before stopping at the nearby Blue Rupee restaurant where emergency services were called.

Mr Bennett was then taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment to serious facial injuries and was said to be in a stable condition.

The BMW thought to be involved in the shooting was found on fire near Cathkin Golf Club later in the evening.

The police force is still hunting for the would-be killer.

Detective Inspector Alan MacDonald previously said in an appeal for information: “I would like to reassure members of the public that we believe this was a targeted attack on the victim and extensive enquiries are underway to establish why this happened and who is responsible.

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“I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of East Kilbride Road, near to Taylors Veterinary Practice between 5.15pm and 5.45pm, or Cathkin Road near to the golf club between 5.15pm and 7.15pm, to contact police if they saw or heard anything at all suspicious.

“I would also ask any motorists with dashcams who were in either area at the relevant times to please check their footage in case they have captured anything which could be of significance to the investigation.

“This crime will understandably be causing concern to the local community and there will be additional patrols in the area to provide reassurance. I would urge anyone with information or concerns to approach officers on patrol who will be happy to assist you.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Cambuslang CID via 101, quoting incident number 3325 of Monday 3 December 2018. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.”