This is why armed police were at Royal Preston Hospital last night

A man has been rushed to the hospital after he was shot in Brierfield in Pendle at 7pm yesterday (Wednesday, March 10). He has suffered gunshot wounds to his face and is undergoing emergency treatment in Preston.

Lancashire Police mobilised its armed units to Royal Preston Hospital as a "precautionary measure", whilst the force in East Lancashire continues to search for the shooter.

The presence of armed officers at the hospital led to a flurry of speculation on social media, causing panic and concern among those with friends and family at the site.

But no-one has been injured at the hospital and the shooting in Brierfield is not believed to pose any risk to staff or patients in Preston.

The Post has asked Lancashire Police why armed officers were required at the hospital following the shooting in Brierfield. We are awaiting a response.

What happened in Brierfield?

A police spokesman said: "We are investigating an incident where a man was injured after a suspected firearm discharge.

"We were called at around 7.10pm this evening (Wednesday, March 10) to the report of an altercation and a weapon being discharged on Humphrey Street.

"The victim, an 18-year-old man, suffered facial injuries and has been taken to hospital to be treated. He remains 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 added: "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."

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