Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a man was injured in a shooting in Accrington.

Mark Walsh, 35, sustained serious head injuries after a shotgun was fired near his home in Maudsley Street at about 9pm on Monday, January 12.

Mark was taken by ambulance to the Royal Preston Hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Police launched a major investigation in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Holden said: “While we have arrested two people this remains very much an on-going enquiry and I would appeal to anyone who has any information or who witnessed anything suspicious in the Maudsley Street area on Monday night to get in touch.

“I would also appeal to anyone who knows the victim Mark Walsh to get in touch with us so we can continue to try to build a picture of events that led up to Monday night’s shooting.”

He added: “We have a large team of officers and staff working on this inquiry and we are determined to bring those responsible to justice.

“The discharge of a firearm in Lancashire is rare and this is the first incident we have had for some time in East division.

“I would reassure the public that patrols will be stepped up in the area and a team of highly trained officers are dealing with this incident.

“Should anyone have any information that could assist the investigation then I would urge them to call the police.

“Gun crime affects a very small number of people. We take a very proactive approach into dealing with firearm incidents and we are determined to find the people responsible.”

Residents in the area surrounding Maudsley Street have been left shocked by the incident.

Ian Smith, who lives on Arnold Street, said: “I came back from my girlfriend’s house about midnight and the whole place was sealed off.

“I had to call a friend to come down and stay with me, it’s really shook me up.

“I’ve lived here about six months and it’s generally quite quiet, but after what happened last night I couldn’t settle.”

Another neighbour, who has only been living in the area for a month, said a relative had told him he had heard a gunshot.

He said: “I only just moved in here about a month ago and I want to leave now, I was told this area was quiet.”

Ward councillor Wendy Dwyer said: “The community are extremely shocked by this, there is concern in the area, it’s not something you hear of.”

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones added: “Fortunately this type of incident is a rarity in Hyndburn.

“I’d like to praise the police firearms response unit for their swiftness and bravery.

“Anyone with information is asked to call police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting log number 1230 of January 12 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

  • Two men aged 29 and 26 from Lytham have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

They remained in police custody as the Observer went to press.