A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after being shot in the stomach in a 'callous attack'.

Three men forced their way into the home of John Louden, where they found him on the stairs, before shooting him with a shotgun.

Mr Louden, aged 49, managed to make his way into the bedroom where he rang for the ambulance service.

He was taken to hospital for treatment where he remains in a serious condition.

A police spokesman confirmed this morning that it is not being treated as a burglary but stressed investigations were on going.

The incident took place in Glebelands Road, Prestwich, at around 8.30pm last night.

Detective Inspector Matthew Moore of GMP’s Bury borough, said: “Our team have launched a full investigation to understand why these men broke into the victim’s home and shot him.

“He has been left with serious injuries and we need to find the people responsible, so they can be held to account for a callous attack on this man in his own home.

“Someone will know something about this incident, and we’d urge you to share any information you have with police, even a minor detail could be the key to this investigation.”

Neighbours spoke of their shock over the incident in what they describe as a lovely and quiet place to live.

Maureen Cain, aged 86, said: "I am stunned, shocked, upset, heartbroken.

"I had a look out of the window before I went to be bed and couldn't believe what I saw, the ambulance and the police cars were everywhere.

"I saw my next door neighbour and asked her what was happening and she said it is John, and I was worried about his two daughters, are the children alright?

"The children are two lovely girls, and John was always there and I knew if I wanted anything I could contact John, he would be here for me, he is a gentleman. I just can't take it in, I have lived here 38 years and we have never had anything like this on Glebelands Road, ever, that I know of.

"So she assured me that the children were alright and I could go to bed okay. Please God, John is in God's hands. Please God let him get better.

"There is no reason under the sun why, he is the nicest man you could meet, charmer, a lovely man with two lovely children and I can't take it in.

"My family have been on the phone all morning. They heard it on the news, I have had my sister from New Zealand, my niece from Australia asking if I'm alright."

Susan Skelly, aged 65, added: "I am shocked. I have lived in this area for 40 years and this is unbelievable.

"It is a good area. I did not hear anything. The first I saw it was when I came out, I just cannot believe it."

Another neighbour, who did not want to give his name, said: "He has lived her for about 10 years I think, you just don't expect to see something like this."

A local resident, who also wished not to give her name, said: "This is a lovely area, we are very lucky and this is a shock. I hope he is going to be alright. I have never heard anything and just know what I have heard."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 2038 of 27/11/17.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.