Man convicted of the attempted murder of a police officer in Paisley

A 32-year-old man has been convicted of the attempted murder of a police officer in Paisley. 

Liridon Kastrati was found guilty at the High Court in Paisley on Tuesday, 25 November, 2025. 

Around 1pm on Monday, 6 May, 2024, officers were within a marked police car on Glasgow Road in the Ralston area of Paisley, when the side of their vehicle was rammed by a car being driven by Kastrati. 

Kastrati chased the officers while brandishing a running chainsaw, shouting and swearing at them. The officers called for immediate assistance and were quickly joined by colleagues and Kastrati was arrested. 

Two officers were injured as a result of the initial crash and treated by paramedics. 

Detective Inspector Jan MacColl said: “Our thoughts remain with those involved or affected by this shocking and calculated attack. 

“The courage and determination shown by officers, simply doing their jobs and the member of the public to quickly stop Kastrati ensured that the dangerous threat he posed to the local community was contained at the scene. 

“Their readiness to confront danger made us determined to ensure he is held to account for his cowardly actions, and I hope his conviction brings some comfort.” 

Local Policing Commander, Chief Superintendent Rhona Fraser said: “I want to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to those involved for their bravery and professionalism when faced with such danger and hatred from Kastrati who clearly intended to harm. 

“Every officer has the fundamental right to come home from each shift unharmed. No-one should face this deplorable level of criminality and it will not be tolerated. This type of incident shows the unpredictable and dangerous situations police officers can face, while doing their utmost to keep people safe. 

“Kastrati has shown no remorse for his brutal actions and rightly now faces the consequences.”