POLICE were today at the Cumbernauld house of the 28-year-old victim as they investigated the shooting

THE father of a young baby has been shot on his doorstep.

Police are now hunting the gunman who left Edward Lyons, 28, suffering serious injuries after the attack in Cumbernauld.

The victim and his partner have a young baby, but it's not known if they were inside.

Mr Lyons father Eddie, the boss of a community centre funded by public cash, is currently at the centre of an official probe over criminal links.

And Edward was charged along with his father, brothers Johnny and Stephen, and two others after a man was almost beaten to death six years ago.

Charges against Eddie, 47, and Johnny were dropped while Edward and Stephen walked free on not proven verdicts.

Police have not said if the shooting has any connection to previous incidents.

The gunman struck around 10pm at the detached £250,000 villa on the modern housing estate in the Carrickstone area.

It's believed shots were fired through a front-door panel, and shattered glass was still strewn across the doorstep today.

Mr Lyons was rushed by ambulance to Monklands General Hospital where he is in a "serious but stable" condition.

Police are treating the incident as attempted murder. Officers were still at the scene in Ratho Drive today, with the house cordoned off.

Neighbours were stunned by the gun drama. Many heard shots being fired and several calls were made to police.

Worried parents escorted their children to nearby primary schools this morning.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: "I didn't hear any shots, but could hear police cars tearing up the street. Officers told everyone to stay indoors and it's quite scary to think that this happened on our doorstep.

"This has left everyone on edge."

Another neighbour said they were still unaware of exactly what had happened, and added that the community was still in shock.

He said: "I was just sitting in my lounge when I heard gunfire. It's not the kind of thing you expect to hear around here.

"I don't know the family particularly well as they haven't been in that long, but I think they have a young baby in the house."

Police today appealed for anyone with information to get in touch as they continued door-to-door inquiries in the area.

Detective Inspector Gordon Wotherspoon said: "Inquiries are at an early stage.

"I would appeal to anyone who may have been in the area of Ratho Drive around 9.55pm last night, or anyone who has any information that they think might assist the investigation, to come forward."

Mr Lyons father has long been the subject of complaints about his role as boss of the Chirnsyde Community Initiative in Milton, Glasgow.

Concerns were first raised over his role at the centre in 2003.

Glasgow City Council funds the centre's activities with £80,000 a year.

City councillors have ordered an independent probe into how the centre is run.

Anybody with information on last night's shooting should contact Cumbernauld Police Office on 01236 503900, or Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

19/04/06