DETECTIVES are hunting a hooded gunman who blasted a house in Bury on Tuesday night.

But the occupants of the property in Dawson Street escaped injury after the weapon was fired at a ground floor window around 6pm.

And a police chief has warned that unless the gunman is caught, a repeat of the incident could result in a death. Police officers raced to the scene after being alerted by a member of the public who had heard the sound of gunfire.

Officers recovered a "projectile" from the area and undertook a search to try to locate the gunman.

They were assisted by Greater Manchester Police's helicopter which made several prolonged but unsuccessful sweeps over the area. Detectives have also disclosed although the gunman approached the house alone, several other men were present at "strategic points" away from the locality.

Head of Bury CID, Detective Chief Inspector Frank Raggett said the gunman had apparently knocked at the door and a name was mentioned.

But when the occupants came to the front window to see who was outside, the semi-automatic handgun was discharged.

"It appears an individual in the house may have been the target," he added.

Later, detectives interviewed one of the occupants. However, it is understood police are still unaware of the gunman's identity and motive for the shooting.

And Det Ch Insp Raggett warned: "We are obviously concerned about any repeat of this incident which may result in serious injury or death."

The gunman is described as aged 30, medium build, 5ft 11inch tall and wearing a mid-blue sweatshirt with the hood pulled up to his eyes.

Police are now anxious to talk to anyone with information about the armed man or others at the scene.

They are asked to ring Bury police crime management unit on 856 8157 or freephone CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

No-one was at the house when the Bury Times called at the property following this week's shooting.

A black sticky tape covered a small part of the ground floor window damaged in the gun attack.

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