POLICE have stepped up patrols in an area of Bolton after a man was shot in broad daylight.

The 20-year-old man was left with a serious hand injury after the incident on Tuesday afternoon.

Witnesses reported seeing five men brawling at the corner of Mortfield Lane and Chorley Old Road, Bolton, at around 4.15pm before two shots were fired.

In a bid to assure residents they are safe, police have launched high-visibility patrols in the area close to where the shooting took place.

Det Insp Stuart Wilkinson, of Bolton CID, said: "We would like to reassure the community that there is a dedicated team of detectives investigating this incident and we are making every effort to catch those responsible.

"To help reassure the community, extra high-visibility police patrols are also in the area."

The victim of the shooting had been involved in an argument with four black men opposite the Shell petrol station in Chorley Old Road.

He was shot in the hand, but managed to escape along Chorley Old Road before raising the alarm.

He was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital. It is believed the weapon used in the shooting was a handgun, but it has not yet been recovered. Police forensic officers searched the area where the shooting took place and recovered items from a back alley.

Residents say they have been appealing for CCTCV cameras to be installed in the area for some time because of problems with drug dealers.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Bolton CID on 0161 8565740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111