THE victim of a fatal shooting was killed by a high-velocity rifle bullet to the leg.
Tragic Adam Hepburn is understood to have bled to death after the bullet severed a major artery in his left leg.
The 22-year-old was shot in a rural location on the outskirts of Hawick, Scottish Borders, late on Wednesday night.
Adam, who lives on a farm near Hawick with his family, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An emergency service source said: “We were called to Hawick where a person took a high velocity bullet to the left leg.
“It then severed his femoral artery.
“The caller was on the phone to us while he was driving the casualty to Hawick Cottage Hospital.
“He was very erratic and panicky in his speech – the phone was also cut off on a number of occasions.”
Adam – a former Hawick High School pupil – lived with his family at Northouse Farm House, a large two-storey stone property, five miles outside Hawick.
His parents Ian, and Katherine are understood to live their with other sons Gregor and John.
Ian – the vice chairman of the National Sheep Association – manages 1600 acres and cares for 1850 ewes and 130 cows.
A man in his early 20s who answered the door today said: “Now’s not a good time to talk – not yet, it’s too soon.”
Devastated
Other Hawick villagers were devastated to hear of Adam’s death.
An employee at a local equestrian store – where the Hepburn family bought riding equipment – said: “It’s such a shame.
“I can’t believe he’s gone – the family come in here all the time.”
Another worker at a local knitwear store said: “The family must be devastated.
“I haven’t actually seen Adam since he was younger but he was such a lovely boy.”
Twitter user from Hawick called “Pippin” added: “R.I.P Adam Hepburn.
I’ve known you since i was little – i know you will be sorely missed.”
