Masked man in double shooting

POLICE patrol: the scene this morning

A MASKED gunman shot two men as they sat in a car in St Mary’s last night.

The victims were in a Seat Leon on Radcliffe Road when they were approached by the man — described only as black and wearing dark clothing — at 10.20pm.

The gunman spoke to them both briefly before shooting them and making off on foot.

A 19-year-old man was taken to hospital for treatment to stomach injuries and a 20-year-old man for injuries to his buttocks.

Superintendent Denise Worth said: “We are at the very early stages of our investigation but believe this was a deliberate and targeted attack. While the injuries are very serious, we don’t believe they are life threatening. It is hugely fortunate neither has been killed.

“I would encourage anyone with information about what happened to call us in absolute confidence.

Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.