A MAN was blasted in the thigh during a series of late-night terrifying "drive-by" shootings.

Now, two 17-year-old youths are to be interviewed by detectives after several shots were fired from a car as it drove through Radcliffe town centre late on Wednesday.

Police say an air gun was discharged at least three times. And they are appealing for anyone who was shot at during a 30-minute period to come forward.

The 47-year-old shooting victim was treated in hospital but allowed home after a pellet was removed.

Detective Sergeant Dave Maguire, of Bury police, said: "After 11pm, a member of the public who was driving through Radcliffe saw a red Vauxhall Nova car in front.

"A passenger in the car was pointing a black handgun out of the window."

As the vehicle approached the Royal Oak pub in Water Street, the thug fired the gun in the direction of a male pedestrian.

"But he managed to duck and the pellet missed him," added Det Sgt Maguire. Police have appealed to him to contact officers.

However, minutes later the 47-year-old was struck as he stood outside the Turf Hotel in Bolton Road. "This man heard a crack and he fell to the pavement after being shot in the left thigh. He sustained a wound a quarter of an inch in diameter."

Later, in High Street, Little Lever, the gunman also shot at a passing motorcyclist who was apparently not hit. Detectives do not know his identity.

In the early hours of yesterday, police officers raided two addresses in Little Lever.

Two 17-year-old youths were detained and are in custody. Detectives believe a third person may have been involved.

Officers also recovered an air weapon and a car which they are linking to the shootings.

Detective Inspector Jane Antrobus, of Whitefield CID, stressed: "We want the man shot at outside the Royal Oak in Radcliffe and the motorcyclist to come forward urgently."

She is also anxious to determine whether there were further, unreported shootings.

"There are three incidents we are aware of. The first one in Radcliffe happened at 11.20pm and the final one was at Little Lever at 11.50.

"But there was half an hour between the first and last incidents and that car could have been travelling anywhere."

Det Sgt Maguire added: "These may have been copy-cat incidents following a similar incident in Rochdale some weeks ago.

"The message from this police division is that we will not tolerate such incidents.

"What happened was absolutely ridiculous and these could have led to more serious injuries."

Anyone targeted by the gunman or who has any information is urged to contact Whitefield CID on 856 8248 and talk to either Det Insp Jane Antrobus or Det Con Beverley Scholes.

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