A 24-YEAR-OLD man is in hospital after being shot in the hip last night while walking his dog.

Emergency services were called at around 8pm on Wednesday, December 5 to reports that a man had been shot on Gladstone Street, West Park while walking his dog.

He managed to return home and was taken to hospital where it was established that he had been shot with a firearm.

Police believe it was a targeted attack.

He underwent surgery overnight and is currently recovering in hospital.

His injuries are described as non-life threatening.

Forensic enquiries are continuing and officers are appealing for anyone that knows who the attacker is or who  can help with the investigation to get in touch.

Inspector John Whittingham said: “We want to reassure the local community that we are doing all we can to find those responsible.

“Thankfully, firearms incidents in St Helens are rare and although we believe this to be a targeted attack, we want the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour, no matter what the circumstance.

“We’ll be carrying house to house enquiries today so please don’t be alarmed if you see more police in the area. It is the very early stages of the investigation and we’d advise anyone to please DM @MerPolCC or call 101 quoting log 919 of 5th December if you have information that could help us.”