A POLICE hunt was under way today for a gunman who fired bullets through the front window of a house in Brush Street, Burnley.

Neighbours were woken at almost midnight when the shots were fired at the house, just off Accrington Road.

The man and woman who live in the house were not injured and neighbours said the gunman ran off down Villiers Street in the direction of Cog Lane.

Today the window of the house was covered with a black plastic bin liner. Adjacent houses were already boarded and shuttered.

A team of police officers were today carrying out house-to-house inquiries and searching for the gunman and the firearm.

Inspector John Clucas said: "We have spoken to the people in the house and they have provided statements. The man and woman have now finished helping us with our inquiries.

"At this stage we haven't got anyone who saw the weapon being discharged and we would like to hear from anyone in that area who saw anything that couldhelp further our inquiries."

MR Clucas confirmed bullets had been recovered from the scene but said at this stage police did not know what type of gun was used. Philip McGranaghan and his girlfriend Annette Palmer, of Villiers Street, Burnley, woke up when they heard a loud bang.

Philip said: "I thought someone was trying to break into the house next door because they broke in there last week.

"When I went outside everyone was in the street and people said there had been three shots fired through the window.

People here are selling properties to builders for between £5,000 and £7,000, they do them up and rent them out and the place goes downhill."

Anyone with information can contact Burnley police on 01282 425001.

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