A MAN was today recovering in hospital after being shot twice and beaten with an iron bar during a 25-man street brawl.

Police were called to a disturbance in Bradshaw Street, Walverden, Nelson, at 9.20pm on Saturday when fighting broke out.

The 22-year-old Asian man was discovered on the floor once the fight had been broken up by police.

A police spokesman said: "It became clear once the disturbance was over that there was one man who had been attacked with an iron bar and had received two gun shot wounds.

"He was taken to hospital and is in a stable condition with minor injuries.

"Police are continuing their inquiries but one thing that has definitely been ruled out is any racial motivation during these events. We are appealing for witnesses to the disturbance and are asking anyone with any information to come forward.

"We have a number of people in custody but no-one has been charged at this stage."

A section of Bradshaw Street, between Thomas Street and Lloyd Walk, was cordoned off with police tape and guarded by two patrol cars yesterday.

People nearby said they were shocked it happened in an area which they described as 'a nicer part of Walverden.'

A 22-year-old man, who grew up in the area, said: "I have played around here all my life. This is not a bad area and I wouldn't have expected something like this to happen. I am quite shocked.

"Trouble has been escalating in Nelson for quite a while now. There was a little argument between kids a few days ago and then their older brothers got involved and it just built up.

"I don't think it has anything to do with drugs or gangland feuds or anything like that."

Another local youth, who also did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, was in the area at the time of the disturbance.

He said: "I just saw this lad walking up the road and there was a group of lads in a car who got out and pinned him up against the car. I think they shot him with a stun gun. I don't know who he is though."

Coun Mahboob Ahmed, whose Whitefield ward is close to where the incident occurred, said: "There are rumours flying round about what happened. Some say it is a gang war situation other people say it is something else.

"We need to calm down. This incident isn't good for the community.

"We live in a close knit community and these things do not help community cohesion. We all have to work together and this incident does not help the younger generation.

"I hope that eye witnesses will get in touch with the police to help them in their inquiries."

Anyone with any information is asked to call the police on 01282 472136 or on Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.