POLICE were today appealing for a motorbike-riding gunman to give himself up.

Accrington CID know the identity of the gunman who shot 29-year-old John Smedley in broad daylight on Persia Street, Accrington, but are withholding naming him for the moment.

Inspector Mick Gradwell said today: "We are still making extensive enquiries and we are appealing for him to give himself up."

Mr Smedley, of Norfolk Grove, Church, was shot at around 6pm on Thursday night, but despite being hit three times, he was able to speak to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph about the incident today.

He said: "I was just walking up the street and the next minute I got shot. It was that quick.

"I was shot in the back of the head and then I turned round and he shot me in the chest and finger when I held my hand up.

"The doctors said there's still a pellet in my chest and a crack in my skull."

The attacker made off on a motorbike after firing at least four shots.

Mr Smedley, who is recovering in Blackburn Royal Infirmary, admitted he had "a few enemies", but said he had no idea why anyone would want to shoot him.

He added that it was lucky no-one else was injured or killed in the attack, as the street was full of children playing.

Police have not recovered the weapon which is believed to be a small calibre handgun.

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