Teenager hit in face after suspected firearm discharge rushed to hospital following Brierfield altercation

Police were called at around 7-10pm today to reports of an altercation between a group of people in Humphrey Street, which resulted in a weapon being discharged.

The victim, an 18-year-old man, is currently in a serious but stable condition.

Officers are in the early stages of their enquiries and are keen to trace any witnesses.

Det. Supt. Neil Drummond said: “We believe that there has been an altercation between a group of people, and the victim and following a firearm being discharged, they ran off from the area.

"We have a team of officers investigating the incident to identify and trace those responsible.

“We appreciate that this incident will understandably have caused some concern in the community and so I would like to reassure people that we have stepped up patrols in the area.

"Please approach an officer if you have any information or concerns.

“Similarly, if you saw or know anything about what happened, please contact us as soon as possible.”

Anybody with information can ring 101 quoting incident reference 1289 of March 10th.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.