SCOTLAND'S governing body for lawyers has condemned a 'shocking' targeted attack on a Glasgow solicitor which has left him scarred for life.

The Law Society of Scotland have given their full support to the victim Joseph Shields of the firm Gallen and Company.

Glasgow Times:

Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, above, said: "While we don’t know at the moment if this horrific attack is related to Mr Shields' role as a solicitor, it is essential that people are safe while doing their jobs."

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Police Scotland, however, confirmed that the attack on the 63-year-old, which happened outside one of Europe's busiest courts, was targeted.

Mr Shields was walking with a colleague on Carlton Place in the Gorbals at around 6.30pm on Thursday when a man approached him from behind and attacked him with a bladed weapon.

The knife-thug then made his getaway in a white coloured saloon car and sped off down Carlton Place, onto South Portland Street and in the direction of Ballater Street.

Emergency services attended, and the solicitor was taken by ambulance to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital for treatment to a significant number of injuries to his face and body. He has since undergone surgery and medical staff describe his condition as serious but stable.

Lorna Jack, Chief Executive of the Law Society of Scotland, added: “This is a very shocking attack. Our heartfelt thoughts go out to Mr Shields and his family, and we wish him a speedy recovery. We are in contact with his firm and will offer support to Mr Shields and his colleagues.

"Solicitors help people, often at extremely difficult times in their lives, and represent their clients in court without fear or favour.

"It’s a fundamental aspect of our justice system and living in a democracy that everyone can be properly represented before the courts and that those doing this important work are not intimidated by any threat of personal attack.”

Glasgow Times:

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The suspect police are looking for is described as white, aged around 30 years old, of skinny build, around 5ft 10 to 6ft in height and of gaunt appearance. He was also wearing a grey hoodie.

Officers working on the investigation are carrying out door-to-door enquiries and checking all available CCTV in an effort to identify the man responsible.

Detective Inspector John Morrison, who is leading on this investigation, said: “This was frankly a terrifying incident for the victim who was simply walking with his colleague when he was attacked. Our enquiries so far have revealed that the victim was the intended target, therefore this was not carried out at random. Nevertheless, it does not make it any less serious. The victim sustained very serious injuries in the attack and as a result, he will be left scarred for life.

“It is important that we trace the person responsible as soon as possible. He is dangerous and must be caught. We are following up enquiries in relation to the car he used and have seized CCTV from the area, which is being studied by my team of detectives. Indiscriminate acts of violence such as this will not be tolerated. We would ask that anyone who may have witnessed the attack, or who may have any information which could assist with our enquiries to contact police as a matter of urgency.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via 101.

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