Police are hunting for a masked man and his accomplice after two men were shot in the head on a footpath.

The victims, named locally as Craig Burns and James McSorley, known as Jimmy, were targeted in an attempted murder in Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, on Monday evening.

They were shot in the head, face and chest on a footpath between Millgate Road and Westwood Crescent at about 2.30pm on Monday. Both are seriously injured in hospital.

Descriptions of the suspects are limited but the first man is described as around 5ft 6in wearing a balaclava and a dark jacket. The second man is described as over 6ft with short hair in a crew cut style.

A 26-year-old victim suffered injuries to his head, face and chest and is in a serious but stable condition, while a 27-year-old suffered injuries to his face and head and is also in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

Detectives say the men were the intended victims of a targeted attempted murder and have launched a major hunt for the gunmen as well as setting up a dedicated incident room number.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 01355 564018.

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: "The incident occurred around 2.30pm on a footpath between Millgate Road and Westwood Crescent, Hamilton leaving two men, aged 26 and 27 seriously injured.

"Enquiries have revealed that two men were in the area at the time of the attack. Descriptions of both men are limited but the first man is described as around 5ft 6in in height, wearing a balaclava and a dark coloured jacket. The second man is described as over 6ft tall with short hair in a crew cut style.

"Officers are appealing for anyone who may have been in the surrounding area and who may have seen these men to get in touch.

"A dedicated incident room telephone number has been set up and anyone with any information or knowledge about the men or the crime can speak to officers on 01355 564018.

"Alternatively, please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can provide information and remain anonymous."