An armed police presence in Fulwood around Royal Preston Hospital during Wednesday night was triggered by a shooting in East Lancashire.

Detectives are investigating an incident where a man was injured after a suspected firearm discharge in Brierfield, Nelson.

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Police were called at around 7:10pm on Wednesday 10 March to reports of an altercation and a weapon being discharged on Humphrey Street.

The victim, an 18-year-old man, suffered facial injuries and has been taken to hospital to be treated. He remains in a serious but stable condition.

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He was taken to Royal Preston Hospital for his injuries to be treated.

A police spokesperson confirmed an increased police presence at the hospital on Wednesday evening was in response to the presence of the victim. They said there was no threat to the wider public.

Officers are in the early stages of their enquiries and are keen to trace any witnesses.

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Det Supt Neil Drummond said: “We believe that there has been an altercation between a group of people and the victim and following a firearm being discharged, they ran off from the area. We have a team of officers investigating the incident to identify and trace those responsible.

“We appreciate that this incident will understandably have caused some concern in the community and so I would like to reassure people that we have stepped up patrols in the area. Please approach an officer if you have any information or concerns.

“Similarly, if you saw or know anything about what happened, please contact us as soon as possible.”

You can call police on 101 quoting incident reference 1289 of March 10th. Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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