A MAJOR investigation was launched today after a man was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds.

Detectives were today waiting to speak to the man who was carried into Burnley General Hospital by friends.

Police said the 44-year-old man, who has not been named, was taken to the accident and emergency department of the hospital in Casterton Avenue at 9pm yesterday with stomach wounds.

Officers from Burnley CID, who have launched a major investigation, were due to speak to the man following the operation, which was taking place today.

Detectives from neighbouring CID offices, including Rossendale, have been drafted in to the investigation.

The exact cause of the man's injuries is not yet known.

Details of where the man was when he was shot have not been released.

DS Steve Mounsey, of Burnley CID, said: "A 44-year-old man was admitted to Burnley General Hospital last night with non-life threatening injuries to his stomach.

"We are looking into the matter and I can confirm that some type of weapon was used.

'The man is still in hospital and will be undergoing surgery today.

"Detectives hope to speak to him when he comes out of surgery."

A Lancashire police spokesman : "We suspect the injuries have been caused by some sort of gun, although it is too early at this stage to say precisely what type of weapon was used.

"However we are treating this incident very seriously."