A MANHUNT has been launched after a marksman shot at three boys and a passing bus in Accrington.

The first incident happened in Oakhill Park at 1.30pm on Saturday when a 16-year-old boy was hit in the pelvis by a pellet believed to be fired from an air weapon.

The second incident involved an 11-year-old at the entrance to Haworth Art Gallery, off Manchester Road, at 2.50pm the same day and the third involved another 16-year-old nearby in Haworth Park shortly afterwards. The second victim told police the weapon was also being fired towards a passing bus.

At 22.25pm that evening a caller also reported that he could hear air weapon shots in the Rothwell Avenue area of the town.

The first victim, who was near Oakhill's off-road cycle area, was only left swollen and bruised but police said it could have been much worse. The marksman, who was seen squatting in bushes in Oakhill Park was described as a15 to16-year-old male with short dark straight hair.

He wore a blue-hooded sweatshirt with the word CABRINI in white on it and three circles underneath the writing. The weapon is described as an air rifle, as approximately three feet in length.

In the second incident the male, who was similarly described was with two others -- one 5ft tall with medium build and a dark red long sleeved top, the other 5ft 11in with dark short hair and a dark blue tee-shirt.

PS Claire Holbrook, of Accrington Police, said: "We need to trace the persons responsible for these incicdents as a matter of some urgency.

"These youths seem to be unaware of the potentially very dangerous outcome that could have resulted from their irresponsible behaviour.The parents of this youth will recognise the description.

"We are hopful that the other males associating with the offender will have the sense to come forward."

PS Pete Sculpher, of the Armed Response Unit said: "About four years ago my officers dealt with a very serious incident with an air weapon in Blackburn.

"The female injured on that occasion was hit with a similar pellet which embedded in her face, very close to a main artery.

"We treat all similar offences very seriously, and I urge anybody with information relating to the offender to contact the police on 353749."