Police are appealing for witnesses after a man armed with a shotgun fired at a house in Whitefield.

Armed response officers were called to a property in Bury New Road at around 7.30pm on Tuesday.

Police discovered damage to a front door consistent with a shotgun discharge at the address, which is near to the Morrisons Petrol Station.

Early inquiries suggest that a man walked past the house once before returning to approach the property.

It is believed he took a shotgun out of a bag he was carrying and shot at the door before running off.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jones said: “Fortunately no one was injured, but as with any incident involving a firearm this incident is being taken very seriously.

“We believe this gunman was in the immediate area for a little while before discharging the firearm, so there is a good chance someone walking or driving past may have seen something which will assist the investigation.

"If you saw a man with a bag slung over his shoulder hanging around the area at around 7.30pm yesterday, or saw anything suspicious, please do not hesitate to contact police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 011215/2060 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.