A MAN was shot amid two mass street brawls on Sunday night.

Police were called to Castle Street, in The Haulgh, to reports of a disturbance involving around 30 men at about 8.15pm.

They received a further call saying a man had been shot, and at 9.10pm, Royal Bolton Hospital confirmed a man was receiving treatment for a gunshot wound.

His injuries are not life-threatening.

Two hours later, at 11.30pm, officers received another report of fighting and a gun being fired into the air in Russell Street.

Police believe the two incidents may be linked, and have launched an investigation.

Crime scene investigators and a police tactical aid unit have been carrying out inquiries in the area including searching under vehicles and in gardens.  

No arrests have been made so far.

One male resident living in Castle Street described witnessing the brawl unfold. He said: "I was looking out of my front window and saw a load of lads arguing. One was being accused of doing something and others were saying 'he would not do that'.

"They went up Devon Street and carried on arguing. At one stage, one lad fell on the floor and a load of others ran up him and tried to stamp on his head.

"As I was looking at them a car went up the street and was beeping its horn.

"The car got through and they carried on fighting and that is when I heard a gun shot and all the lads scarpered. One of them ran up Castle Street to the lights."

Other residents reported hearing gun shots, commotion and shouting and car windows being smashed.

One said: "I heard screams and cars going up and down the street, and I saw people with bats on the road. 

"I don't know if someone was after someone." 

Another resident of nearby Portugal Street added: "I heard a bang, which sounded like a car crash, and saw a load of lads run up my street. Then the next thing was the police arriving."

Devon Street remained closed until about 2.30pm today as crime scene investigation officers searched a section of land west of Devon Street, close to where the fight is believed to have taken place.

The Bolton Sea Cadets centre, in Castle Street, has also been cordoned off, although it is not yet known whether it is linked to the other incidents.

The Haulgh is no stranger to gang-related violence. It was reportedly home to one of the town's most notorious gangs, The Castle Street Gang, who were involved in a drugs turf war with a gang from Gilnow Road.

In 2009, their feud led to the fatal shooting of a man in the Brookhouse Wines supermarket in Eccles after hitman Simeon Henderson shot shopkeeper Nasar Hussain with a machine gun.

And residents believe the latest incident may also be linked to gang activity and have involved individuals from the nearby area, where drug dealing is reportedly rife.

One resident, who was out at the time of the incident, said: "I have been living here for a while and they often fight, but never with guns involved.

"If there is ever any trouble round here, about 50 lads turn up.

"It makes me feel unsafe now. You never know if they will pull the trigger on you."

Detective Inspector Clark Bowers from GMP’s Bolton Borough said: “Last night my officers found themselves dealing with two large fights where guns were used. One man is receiving treatment in hospital, thankfully his injuries are not more serious.

“We are appealing for anyone who witnessed the fighting or knows anything about what led to both incidents to get in touch as soon as possible.

“I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all that we can to establish the circumstances surrounding these incidents and find those responsible.

“We will have and increased number of officers on the streets and I would like to encourage anyone with any concerns to come and talk to the officers.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.