TWO murder accused charged with gunning down Larkfield dad Neil Canney shot him in the head, it is alleged.

Jack Benson, 22, and Dale Russell, 28, are alleged to have killed the 37-year-old at his home on Nairn Road last Tuesday.

Mr Canney was found seriously wounded at around 1.15am that day, and subsequently died in hospital.

Benson, of Crawford Street, Port Glasgow, and Russell, of Glasgow Road, Wishaw, are both accused of discharging a firearm at him 'in the head'.

The charge against the pair alleges that they 'did murder him'.

Both accused appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon during separate petition hearings held in private.

It is alleged that they murdered Mr Canney 'while acting with others whose identities are presently unknown'.

Mr Canney was rushed to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow, where he was pronounced deceased a short time after arrival there.

No-one else within the Nairn Road house was hurt.

Detective Superintendent Cameron Miller said after the incident: "Although we have yet to establish the motive for this attack, it does appear to have been a targeted incident.

"Extensive police enquiries are ongoing at this time and officers are gathering CCTV footage from the surrounding area."

Detective Superintendent Miller added: "From our investigation so far we know that a number of people, described only as wearing dark clothing, turned up at the house on Nairn Road before Mr Canney was injured.

"It is then believed that the group dispersed towards Angus Road.

"This is a shocking incident and our thoughts are with Mr Canney's family."

Murder accused Benson and Russell made no plea during their court appearances yesterday.

Sheriff James Varney continued matters for further examination.

Benson and Russell have been remanded in custody and are due back in court on the matter next week.

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