POLICE are reassuring local residents after shots were fired at a house in Bolton.

It is the first firearms incident to take place in the town this year, they say.

Detectives are keeping an open mind about the motive for the attack at the home in Parkfield Avenue, Farnworth.

Pregnant Joanne Cook, who lives at the house with her three children, was out when the shot was fired at 5pm on Monday.

Det Insp Gary Smith, from Bolton CID, said: “This is the first firearms incident in Bolton this year. It is rare and this was an isolated incident.

“We want to reassure the local community that we are doing everything we can to catch the person responsible.”

Police do not believe that the public are at risk. Local residents said they heard the gunshots but did not see the incident take place.

One neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “I thought it was very loud fireworks.

“It was a shock because nothing like this has ever happened around here.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740, or Crime- stoppers on 0800 555 111.