A MAN was taken to hospital with stomach injuries after a suspected shooting in Halliwell.

Police were contacted just before 4.30am on Saturday by staff at the Royal Bolton Hospital, who said a man had a pellet wound that could have been caused by shots from an air gun.

Detectives believe the incident happened in Halliwell Road.

The man went to hospital from Halliwell Road in the early hours of Saturday after he discovered he had injuries in his stomach.

A police spokesman said: “The call came in from the hospital. It would appear the man has approached a couple of members of the public in the street.

“It is not clear how or why he was shot. He had not realised at the time what had happened. It was only when he got to A&E.”

Hospital staff found a pellet lodged in the man’s stomach and alerted police.

The police spokesman said no arrests had been made and inquiries were continuing.

It is not known whether the man lives in the area or if he was visiting a house, although reports said he lives in Tonge Moor.

Police could not confirm if the shooting had taken place but said the man suffered a minor injury that could have been caused by an air gun. Residents and people working in the area were shocked by the incident.

One woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I haven’t heard anything about it but I’m surprised to hear something like that has happened.”

l Anyone with information about the incident should call police on 101.