Witnesses have told of hearing a loud bang 'like a firework' before seeing a man lying bleeding on the ground following a shooting at a skate park in Lancashire. The moment of extreme violence left a man in hospital and residents of Skelmersdale in fear.
In the aftermath, residents told LancsLive they were carrying on as normal. But still, the incident hung like a dark cloud over the neighbourhood. Many expressed concern for the victim of the shooting. One said they now felt they had no choice but to leave.
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Shortly after 6pm on Wednesday one of the first on the scene told how the male - in his 30s - had been abandoned in the company of strangers. Apparent acquaintances fled on bicycles, parting with the words: "Look after him".
The eyewitness who did not wish to be named for fear of reprisals, told LancsLive: "I was standing in the doorway when two lads came down on bikes and I heard someone shouting. I heard a sound like a firework.
"I went out and they were shouting, 'He's been shot'. There was a man on the ground with blood from the waist downwards; we tried to pick him up. Then his mates said, look after him, jumped on the bike and went off."
The incident took place near a skate park on Birch Green Road at around 6.11pm. Soon after, several surrounding roads were closed off.
Police have confirmed that they were called to the shooting and that a man, in his 30s, was found with a leg injury and has been taken to hospital. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening at this time, police say.
A cordon was initially put in place around the skate park. This cordon has now been reduced, but a little triangle of grass nearby is still taped off. Police at the scene have also put a large cordon in place on part of Fairhaven, where they appear to be focusing with sniffer dogs now at the scene.
Another resident. who again did not wish to be named, said: "A man was on his bike and he was shot. Its awful, disgraceful, and I'm scared. It makes you want to move."
One passer by accompanying two school children said: "It's terrible, especially for children walking past. I just hope the man who got hurt is okay." Another local resident, out walking the dog, added: "It's awful, not happy with what's happened."
No arrests have been made at this time, but police enquiries are ongoing. The shooting is being treated as an isolated incident and police presence will be stepped up in the area.
Officers are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. A spokesperson for Lancashire Police said: "We are appealing for witnesses, CCTV and dashcam footage after a suspected firearms discharge in Skelmersdale. We were called to Birch Green Road, Skelmersdale at 6.11pm tonight (Wednesday, November 9).
"A man, aged in his 30s, was found with a leg injury and has been taken to hospital to be treated for those injuries. The area around the skate park has been cordoned off whilst we investigate.
"As yet, no arrests have been made and enquiries are continuing. Although this is being treated as an isolated incident, we appreciate that it will be worrying for the local community but there will be an increased police presence in the area and anyone with concerns is welcome to speak to an officer.
"Anybody with information is asked to call 101, quoting the log number 1128 of 9th November 2022."
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