Gunmen open fire on "wrong house" after shooting in Preston last night

The shots were fired at a home in Dallas Street, Plungington at around 6.50pm, but police say no-one has been hurt in the shooting.

Detectives said they believe the shooting had been a "targeted attack", but the gunmen had opened fired on the wrong house.

The house has been reportedly left with bullet holes in its windows.

The incident sparked a huge police response with armed officers, dog unit and CSI combing the area for clues as to who was behind the attack.

The road was cordoned off and residents returning to their homes had to be escorted to their doors by officers.

Police patrols continued through the night as officers searched for the gunmen and Dallas Street remains closed this morning.

One resident told the Post it was "terrifying" to hear the "large bang" followed by the sound of sirens as police flooded the street.

He said he suspects the shooting might be linked to another incident in nearby Trafford Street last week.

"I was woken by a large bang and I thought it was a car backfiring," he said.

"It was terrifying. I knew something serious had gone on when we were soon surrounded by police cars in the street.

"The police told us that the house they shot at was the wrong one."

Detectives say that a white van, which was found torched 6 miles away on a country road in Catforth an hour later, is believed to be linked to the shooting.

You can find our report on the van fire here.

On Monday evening, Det Insp George Binns, of Preston CID, said: “We have launched an investigation following a firearms discharge in Preston.

“It is incredibly lucky nobody was hurt during this incident and I would encourage anyone who can assist our enquiries to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to trace any witnesses, or anyone with dashboard mounted camera footage which may have been recording in the area around the time of the offence.

“If you saw a white van or anyone acting suspiciously, please contact us.

“At this time we believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider threat to the public. However, we know this will have been concerning for residents and we have stepped up patrols in the area.”

You can find more of pictures from the scene of the shooting here.

That morning, Lancashire Police had issued a statement saying the shooting is believed to be a "targeted attack", and confirmed that the shots had been fired at the "wrong house".

The force said: "We were called at around 6.50pm on Sunday, February 21 to reports of damage to an address on Dallas Street, Preston.

"Officers attended and while enquiries are in their very early stages, we believe the damage may have been caused by a firearm discharge.

"At this point we believe this was a targeted attack, with the wrong house having been damaged. Fortunately nobody was injured.

"There was a significant police presence in the area overnight which will continue, and anyone with concerns is welcome to speak to an officer."

Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the force on 101, quoting log 1295 of February 21.

Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.