Man seriously assaulted outside busy Kirkintilloch pub

The victim was attacked and struck in the face outside the Chase Inn at Merkland Drive around 9.30pm on September 10.

Police believe it was a targeted attack and are appealing for information.

The injured man was taken by ambulance to Monklands District General Hospital, Airdrie, where he was treated and released.

Detective Constable Stevie Cooke, Kirkintilloch CID, said today: “From our enquiries so far, we believe that this was a targeted attack.

“The injured man had been in the pub and at some point was seen in the company of at least five or six other men.

“About 9.30pm, he went outside the pub near to the smoking area, where he was assaulted by at least one man.

“The pub was very busy that night - it was the night of Celtic v Rangers game - so I have no doubt that people would have seen or heard the incident take place.

“Indeed, after viewing CCTV we are keen to speak to two people in particular, a man and a woman, who were outside the pub at the time and who we think saw the attack happen.”

The man is described as white, 20-24 years of age, about 6 ft in height, wearing shorts and a grey hoodie. He was on his mobile phone at the front of the pub at the time.

The woman is white, between 20 and 30 years of age, was wearing patterned trousers and carrying a camera. She had just come out of the smoking area outside at the time.

DC Cooke added: “I would ask both of them to contact police or, if for any reason they are reluctant to come forward, to call Crimestoppers in confidence. Their information could help our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact Kirkintilloch CID via 101 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.