Boy, 14, arrested on suspicion of murder after fatal shooting

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 32-year-old man was fatally shot in Accrington.

Lancashire Police said officers were called to reports that a man had been shot in the chest after a firearm was discharged from an address on Barnard Close on Wednesday evening.

The victim was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital where he died a short time later, while the boy, from Accrington, was taken into custody.

Police say they think it was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to local residents, although extra police have been deployed to the area.

The force said it was called at 8.25pm to the scene, where the man had suffered a single shot wound to the chest, as it launched a murder enquiry.

Detective Inspector Pete Danby said: "Firstly my thoughts are with the man's family at this incredibly sad and difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

"We are in the very early stages of our investigation and have a number of officers on with enquiries.

"We think this was an isolated incident and believe there is no wider threat to local residents, however, we have stepped up patrols in the area to offer some reassurance to the community.

"If you have any information that you think could assist us with our investigation, please contact us immediately."

Police asked anyone with information to call 101 quoting incident reference LC-20171025-1407.

Alternatively they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report any information at crimestoppers-uk.org.