POLICE sealed off a Blackburn park today after a 17-year-old youth was shot in the chest.

The teenager was found close to the entrance of Witton Park in Preston Old Road shortly after midnight and taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary where he remained poorly early today.

Police sealed off all entrances to the park as well as a bus shelter close to St Francis Road and a lane which runs alongside a row of houses opposite the park, close to the German textile factory Voith, which was formerly Scapa Scandia.

It is believed the youth, from the Redlam area of the town, was shot on the main road close to the lane.

Insp Stephen Lee said: "We received a call and went to Witton Park shortly after midnight where a 17-year-old had sustained one gunshot wound to his chest.

"The investigation is in its very early stages but we have officers stationed at all entrances to the park to protect the scene.

"The victim is under sedation in hospital where is condition is described as poorly and we are waiting to speak to him."

Chief Insp Mike Kellett, of Blackburn CID, was due to take charge of the investigation today and officers were due to begin searching the scene.

Newsagent Julie Worsley, who runs a shop in Preston Old Road with husband Steve, said: "When my husband Steve went out to walk our dog early this morning he saw all the police and couldn't get into the park. We don't know what's going on."

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