A TEENAGE boy is being treated in hospital for gunshot wounds after being seriously injured in Runcorn.

The 16-year-old victim was sat in the passenger seat of a silver Ford Mondeo when a light blue car pulled up next to him.

A passenger who was in the back seat of the blue car then got out of the vehicle and walked towards the victim’s car.

The man then threatened the victim, demanding that he got out of the car, before shooting him in the left calf.
The man then got back into his vehicle and the car made off in the direction of the Norton Arms.

The suspect is described as a man, approximately 6ft tall, of skinny build with a deep voice and spoke with a local accent.

He was wearing a balaclava, black trousers and a black North Face jacket.

As a result of the incident the victim sustained serious injuries in his legs and abdomen.

He is currently recovering in hospital where his condition is described as stable.

Another male was seen to run from the scene shortly after 9.10pm last night.

Detective Inspector Clare Coleman said: “Investigations in relation to this incident are ongoing and we are following a number of lines of enquiry.

“I’m keen to hear from anyone who believes that they have any information in relation to the incident.

“ I’d specifically like to hear from anyone who witnessed the incident, or has seen anyone acting suspiciously in the local area.”

Chief Inspector Sarah Heath said: “I understand that incidents of this nature can cause concern in the local community but I would like to reassure local people that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no evidence to suggest there is any threat to the wider community.

“Incidents involving firearms are extremely rare in the Runcorn area and officers are working hard to establish the exact circumstances of what has taken place and trace the people responsible.

“I would ask urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to contact the team here at Runcorn so the people responsible can be brought to justice.

“Whilst on this occasion the victim has sustained serious injuries, the consequences could have been far worse.”

Anyone with any information should contact Cheshire police on 101 quoting incident number 953 of 30 November.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.