POLICE have said a shooting could have been "more tragic" if innocent bystanders had been caught in the crossfire.

One man is dead and six others were injured when a mass brawl broke out near a children's play area on Ballantay Terrace in Castlemilk.

As well as a firearm, officers said the men involved with armed with bladed weapons and baton style weapons.

Detective Superintendent Allan Burton said: "My concern is that unrelated persons were in that vicinity and they may have been affected by this terrible incident, which could have gone more tragically.

"We know from CCTV that there were other people in the vicinity, there were a number of people there including children who ran off through the play park at the commencement of this incident.

"Witnesses saw children running from the play park area.

"We have not identified who those children are, or who their parents are, or whether they saw anything. Children use the playpark from all over the scheme."

Detectives from the Major Investigation Team (MIT) are continuing enquiries following the incident on Saturday around 8pm that saw 22-year-old Jamie Lee die of a gunshot wound.

Jamie, who was due to celebrate his birthday this month, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital but died of his wounds.

He had celebrated becoming a dad just three weeks ago and is believed to have family in the area.

A 62-year-old man, who was also shot during the incident was taken to hospital but released following treatment to wounds to his upper body.

Police said he and Jamie were "close associates" but would not reveal any more about their relationship.

Jamie's death is being treated as murder and a post mortem examination was due to be carried out yesterday afternoon.

Forensics officers were yesterday seen carrying out finger tip searches of the area as officers knocked doors to speak to residents.

As told in later editions of last night's Evening Times, friends paid tribute to Jamie on Facebook.

Calling him by his nickname YL, Natasha Royx said: “Why is life so cruel, absolutely heartbreaking, thinking off the Lee Family and Laura, Jamie was such an amazing boy had a heart of gold. So sad that he’s bein taken far too soon. R.I.P YL. Shine bright buddy.”

Harry Rennie, wrote: “R.I.P yl my brother, one of a kind!!! Legend, heartbroken man.”

William McElwaine wrote: “RIP yl you were one of the nicest boys a knew you’ll be sorely missed.”

Connaire Dawson wrote: “R.I.P yl bro, thoughts go out to the rest of the family man cany believe it.”

For local residents it was business as usual as locals hung out washings and took out the bins - but their movements were hampered by police tape sealing off the street.

However, the community was subdued as parents kept children inside from playing and the streets around the police cordon were quiet.

As forensic officers combed the scene, one little girl ran into the garden shouting to her mum, "I want to play out."

But her mum quickly took her back into the house.

One resident said her daughters, aged six and 13, very rarely played in the park.

She said Ballantay Road, where she lives, is normally very quiet and neighbourly but Ballantay Terrace is a rougher street.

The 40-year-said: “All the kids were out on Saturday night. It was a nice evening and the children were out playing so they saw things they shouldn't have.

"It is not acceptable. It is really not acceptable.

"Sometimes on the terrace there is a bit of shouting and playing loud music - it's only across the road but it's a bit different from here.

"We are very quiet here and everyone is very nice.

"The whole things has been a shock really.

"You would never expect something like this to happen on your doorstep."

Det Sup Allan confirmed children had been in the area when the incident happened and said CCTV showed witnesses to the brawl.

He said: "There are people shown on the CCTV looking out from their home addresses or in the vicinity who will have crucial information we are asking them to come forward before we come to their door.

"They may be waiting on us coming to them, would prefer they come forward. CCTV footage shows persons who have not come forward – I would urge them to do so."

The police officer said the two groups involved seem to be known to one another but so far a motive has not been established.

Around 12 people were involved in what has been called "an organised street fight" and not all of those have been identified.

Some members of the group were Asian but Det Sup Allan said there is no racial element to the fight and no suggestion it was a gangland feud.

Anyone with any information or knowledge is asked to contact MIT officers at Helen Street Police Station via 101.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where witnesses can give information anonymously.

The mobile police office is situated in the vicinity of Ballantay Terrace, Castlemilk.