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A man is believed to have been shot after a row over a girl at a house party.

The 21-year-old victim was run over first then blasted four times in Salford, Manchester.

Three bullets, thought to be from a Colt revolver, struck him in the thighs and buttock.

He had been dropped off outside his home in Bury New Road, Higher Broughton, by friends.

As he got out of the car two masked men walked up to him and shouted something.

The victim fled through back streets and ran into Curzon Road, a cul-de-sac, reports the Manchester Evening News.

He was then mowed down by a dark coloured car but got up and was climbing up steps at the end of Curzon Road trying to flee back to Bury New Road when he was shot.

The incident is being treated as attempted murder by police.

Detective Sgt Julie Connor, of Salford CID, based at Pendleton, said: “We believe it is possible the incident is linked to an altercation earlier in the evening at a house party held in the Broughton area.

“We believe the altercation may have been over a female. I would like to hear from anyone who can tell us where the house party was held or anything about the argument.

“They can call me on 0161 856 5360.”

The victim was treated in hospital for several days but has now been released.

A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but later released without charge.

The shooting took place at 11.30pm on Sunday May 4.

They now believe it was a bungled attempt to kill the victim rather than a punishment shooting. They have recovered the car used in the incident - a stolen dark blue Volkswagen Golf.

The Golf was stolen from South Avenue, Swinton, in a burglary on March 23rd. Its original number plate was VK05 AWU, but was replaced with a cloned plate, YX55 YHR.

After the shooting the Golf was driven off with at least two people on board. It was later found ablaze on Ashley Street, Langworthy. Detectives want to know where it had been parked or stored for the six weeks before the shooting.

Police are now satisfied that the incident is not linked to another shooting in Pendlebury two days earlier when a car was shot at.