Man shot on West End Road, Haydock: Updates from the scene

Two men, believed to be in their 20s and with their faces covered, approached the victim in Haydock before one shot him in the legs.

The attack happened at around 4.40pm on School Street, at its junction with West End Road.

The attackers left the scene in a red car.

Police say the 'victim has been taken to hospital for treatment to leg injuries consistent with a shotgun discharge and his condition is described as serious'.

Chief Inspector Paddy Kelly said: "The investigation into this incident is in its early stages and we are keeping an open mind as to why this happened, but we do believe it was a targeted attack.

"Criminals who choose to settle their disputes with a weapon do not care about the fear and potential harm they bring to communities in Merseyside.

"We need the public to help us make the streets safer by telling us what they know about this incident and criminals who use fireams.

"If we are told who is involved in using and storing guns, I promise we will take robust action and put these people before the courts and in prison. If you know something, please pick up the phone and let us know.

"I would also appeal to anyone who was driving in the area at the time of this incident who has dashcam footage they believe may show the offenders or the car they were in to contact police."

Witnesses report that armed officers were at the scene and that the police helicopter was overhead.

Social media pictures suggest an air ambulance landed nearby to take the victim to hospital.

Forensic teams are examining the scene, where more than seven police cars were stationed.

Neighbours on the busy road have been left shocked and disgusted.

Many heard a blast and rushed out to see what was going on before being ordered to return inside their houses by police.

Other have been stunned that someone could be gunned down yards from their family home.

A father-of-three, who doesn't want to be named, said: "We didn't know anything we were at Tesco with our youngest two but our eldest who is 13 was in the house on her own, so when we saw the police cars we were really worried.

"We have only been living here for just over a year and we have had no trouble, it's just really shocking isn't it?

"It's just not what you expect from where you live"

An elderly resident, who does not want to be named, said: "Well we didn't hear anything, it was only when the police came and we could see the lights outside and we saw them put the cordon up that we realised something had happened.

"You just don't think that these things are going to happen it's not so bad around here really so this has really shocked us."

However, another resident said: "Let's just put it this way, I'm not that surprised that this kind of thing has happened." 

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious that could help is asked to contact Merseyside Police social media desk via twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC