DETECTIVES hunting a mystery gunman say scores of people have contacted them with information on possible suspects.

They have had a number of tip-offs and are planning to question several people in connection with the shooting of student Adam Hayes, 17, on a footpath off Preston Old Road, Blackburn, early last Saturday.

Adam was with three friends near Witton Park when he was approached by the middle aged man and blasted in the arm and chest at close range with a shotgun. The youngster suffered a collapsed lung, lost several pints of blood and still has a large amount of shot in his arm and chest.

A massive manhunt has been launched and teenagers across the town have been put on red alert. More than 40 officers are now working on the inquiry.

A 44-year-old local man was arrested early yesterday but released without charge after being questioned for several hours.

Detective Inspector Bob Eastwood said: "We have had more than 80 calls and we are following up a number of leads. We are delighted with the response from the public and we have been given a number of valuable leads to investigate."

The police are looking for a middle aged man with thick glasses, grey hair and around 5ft 9in. An artist's impression of the gunman has been circulated to schools. Anyone with information should ring CID on 0154 51212.

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