A firefighter has been shot in the head with an airgun pellet while attending a routine call, police have revealed.

Strathclyde Police said the firefighter was with a crew attending a "genuine assistance call" in Hamilton on Saturday evening when he was shot.

The fire engine diverted to Hairmyres Hospital where the 44-year-old man was treated and kept in overnight for observation.

Detective Constable Jim Conway said: "This could have had very serious consequences for both the firefighter and the member of the public they were attending to assist."

John McDonald: "These attacks must stop"

The police said the incident happened at 1845 BST as the fire engine travelled along Highstonehall Road near its junction with Laighstonhall Road, in Hamilton.

The crew diverted to the accident and emergency unit at Hairmyres in East Kilbride and the crewman was released from hospital on Sunday.

Police said members of the fire crew were unable to describe the person responsible for the attack.

Fire Brigades Union spokesman John McDonald said the incident has shocked everyone in the service.

He said: "A firefighter was attempting to save another person's life and they were shot at by some mindless thug.

Crew attacked

"His family is obviously very distressed over this and I think every firefighter and control staff member is as well. These attacks must stop."

Last week, a 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with breach of a peace after a fire crew was attacked in Glasgow.

His arrest came after police launched an investigation into reports that a gang of about 10 to 15 youths attacked firefighters as they arrived to deal with a burning car on London Road on 19 August.

A similar incident in the Blackhill area of the city last weekend resulted in a firefighter being taken to hospital with a back injury.