AN investigation has been launched after a man was shot in the face with pellets.

Police were called to Thurston Street in Burnley at 5pm on Thursday after reports of an ‘altercation in the street’.

A police spokesman said when officers reached the street, which links onto Belvedere Road, they found a 37-year-old man with what was believed to be pellet gun wounds in his face.

The spokesman said: “The man was taken to hospital but his injuries are not life-threatening.

“We don’t believe there is a wider threat to the public.”

Cllr Afrasiab Anwar, who represents the Bank Hall ward on Burnley Council, said: “This is obviously a distressing incident for the person involved and those who live on the street.

“It is something we do not condone as a community.

“Pellet guns, although they fire pellets and not bullets, are still dangerous.

“We have to reassure residents of Thurston Street and other roads nearby that this was a one-off incident where one person in particular has done this to another.

“I hope the police catch the person responsible.”

Police said that enquiries are on-going into the incident and anyone who has information or witnessed what went on are asked to call 101 and quote log number 1108 of March 28.