Murder cops focus on Coatbridge guns find

Feb 3 2010 by Gordon Robertson, Airdrie & Coatbridge

MURDER cops have intensified their focus on Coatbridge in a bid to snare the hitmen responsible for the chilling gangland execution of mobster Kevin Carroll.

The move comes after the guns used on the notorious hood were found behind the town’s main library last week.

The weapons – believed to be two handguns – were discovered by a shocked member of the public just off Baird Street car park at around 10.55am last Tuesday.

Officers carried out door-to-door enquiries at homes and businesses in the area after what was described by one source as the “careless disposal” of the weapons.

They have also studied CCTV footage of cars and people coming into the area over a 13-day period.

A police spokeswoman said: “The guns could have been there from the time of the murder on Wednesday, January 13, until they were found.

“We have carried out some door-to-door enquiries of business premises and homes in the area, put up posters and are reviewing CCTV footage.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw anyone behaving in a suspicious manner in the area of the library.”

Police refused to comment further on their investigation into the Carroll murder, which took place in the Asda supermarket car park in Robroyston, Glasgow.

Carroll was said to be an enforcer for a notorious crime clan who are involved in a bitter feud with a rival mob.

The vehicle used in the hit was found burnt out in Yetts Hole Road near Glenmavis – just three miles from where the guns were discovered.

An Advertiser source said the careless disposal of the guns may lead to the downfall of the killers.

Our contact said: “It is very unusual for weapons to be dumped in a location like this, where they are likely to be found.

“It’s a town centre and there are CCTV cameras and people around so it’s really no surprise that they were found.

“They have perhaps been given to someone to get rid of them and they have messed up. The police now have the guns and that could help them trace the men involved.”

Anyone with information should contact the incident room at Baird Street police office in Glasgow on 0141 532 4191 or anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Or email kevincarrollenquiry@strathclyde.pnn.police.uk