A CAR used in a murder bid which saw a man being shot in the face was stolen from East Renfrewshire, police have confirmed.

Officers issued a fresh plea for information as they revealed East Renfrewshire’s link with the horrific gun attack on Scott Bennett.

A major investigation was launched after a would-be assassin targeted 37-year-old Mr Bennett in the car park of the Taylor Veterinary Practice, in Cambuslang, on December 3.

The victim was waiting in his white Peugeot van at around 5.30pm when a BMW coupe pulled up beside him.

The passenger in the BMW, who was wearing a high-visibility vest, got out and shot Mr Bennett in the face through the window.

Despite this, Mr Bennett was able to drive off before stopping at a nearby restaurant, where emergency services were called.

The BMW used in the shooting was stolen from the Newton Mearns area on October 11.

Police, who admit the initial response from the public to their investigation was disappointing, are hoping this new information will encourage people to come forward with information.

Detective Inspector Alan MacDonald said: “Since my earlier appeal, we have received very little information from the public.

“If you have any information about this brazen attack or who may be responsible, please get in touch.

“I am able to say that the car involved, which was found burnt-out in Cathkin Road, near to the golf course, was a BMW 420i.

“It had been stolen from the Newton Mearns area on October 11. If you have any information about who stole the car or its movements since it was stolen, please come forward.”

Mr Bennett, who is a kennels owner, is reported to be known to police.

Det Insp MacDonald said: “I am keeping an open mind about why the man was targeted but I am content that this was not a random attack and he was the intended victim.

“I am reiterating my appeal for anyone who was in the vicinity of Taylor Veterinary Practice to contact police if they saw or heard anything at all suspicious.

“If you have a dashcam which may have captured anything that could assist our investigation call Police Scotland as a matter of urgency.”