The murder of a father-of-two who was gunned down in broad daylight on a busy street was yesterday described as an unprecedented "outrage and tragedy" by police.

Jim McDonald, 36, was shot dead on Thursday on Corkerhill Road at 1.20pm in the Cardonald area of Glasgow. He had been chased by two men in a silver Land Rover Freelander, stolen from the Blackwood area of Lanarkshire four days previously. One of the men got out of the vehicle and shot Mr McDonald in the head and body in the street near Nethercraigs sports complex and Cardonald College.

It was not revealed how many times he was shot. Police said the area was busy with pedestrians and motorists, particularly students. Mr McDonald's wife Paula, 35, and 13-year-old son Ross ran to the scene and cradled him as he lay dying.

Superintendent Willie Newlands said: "I've been a police officer in the Greater Pollok area for 10 years and in command there for the last four years. This crime is unprecedented in the area that a man can be gunned down near to his home in broad daylight in a city street.

"It is an outrage felt by the whole community as well as myself and colleagues in the police service. It is an outrage and a tragedy, and we have a responsibility to bring the people who committed this crime to justice."

Detective Superintendent Alan Buchanan appealed for witnesses to come forward. He said: "This has been a particularly vicious murder of a married family man with two children and we are eager to get as much information as we can."

Det Supt Buchanan said officers were particularly keen to trace the Freelander, registration SA05 LTF, used by the two suspects. It was last seen heading towards Paisley Road West. Anyone with information is asked to telephone Glasgow's Helen Street police office on 0141 532 5415.