Man shot in leg in 'targeted' attack

Police said the man was on Boxwood Gardens when he was shot in the leg

A man has been shot in the leg in a targeted attack, police have said.

Emergency services were called to Boxwood Gardens, in St Helens, Merseyside, on Monday at about 22:30 BST following reports of a shooting.

Officers said a man in his 40s was shot in the leg and taken to hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

Det Insp John Mullen said the victim was "targeted" by a group of three men and the motive for the attack was unknown.

He said: "Clearly this incident could have had far more serious if not fatal consequences and it is vital people come forward and tell us what they know.

"Gun crime has no place on our streets and we will do everything within our powers to find the people responsible and bring them to justice."

Merseyside Police said crime scene investigators were carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and house-to-house inquiries were ongoing.