POLICE are investigating a third shooting in the Bolton area in less than 24 hours.

Officers were called to a property in Worsley Road, Farnworth, at 10pm on Saturday night after reports of gunfire.

They found the front of the house had been damaged by a firearm, though no-one was injured.

Worsley Road has been partially shut while police investigate.

Police believe the shooting was linked to a similar incident in Gorse Drive, Little Hulton, which happened at 11.25pm last night.

When officers attended they found damage to the downstairs window consistent with firearm discharge.

Yesterday afternoon, a man was taken to hospital after being shot in the stomach in Cannon Street.

That came just hours after a gunman fired through the front window of a house in Little Hulton, with a 48-year-old man taken to hospital with a minor wound to his back.

Detective Inspector Joe Clarke said: “We have launched an investigation and, although it is still in the early stages, we do believe this was a targeted attack and that there is no wider threat to the community.

“In recent weeks there have been a number of incidents involving firearms and I understand people will be alarmed when they hear about what happened last night. We will continue with our work to stop criminals from damaging our communities and we have extra officers in both areas to offer some reassurance.

“Fortunately no-one was injured, but the threat to life in these instances is very real and it is vital that we, along with the support of the community, catch those responsible and stop this from happening.

“If you have any concerns about the incidents, or any information that you want to pass on, please speak to police, in confidence.

“I would urge the local community to come forward if they saw or heard anything in their area at the time of the incidents to get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

Local resident Bill Stannard, of nearby Firwood Avenue, said: "It's a shock when you see something like this. There seems to have been a trend towards this sort of thing in Farnworth recently.

"I have lived in this area for three years, and you get used to hearing about burglaries and drugs. You come to accept that and carry on, but shootings are something that make you really start to worry.

"This is a densely populated area, with lots of women, children, and elderly people. It's a scary thought."

Kenneth Felton, of Conway Street, added: "I didn't see anything happen but we knew something was going on. It's frightening to think that there are shootings happening so close to your home, especially when you have children around."

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 5470, 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.