A MURDER inquiry was launched today after a 24-year-old man was gunned down on the back doorstep of his home.

The victim, Paul Frank Rothwell, is believed to have been blasted in the head after answering a knock at the back door in the early hours of the morning.

The attack in Whitehead Street, Bank Top, Blackburn, happened at 12.30am.

Mr Rothwell was taken to Blackburn Royal Infirmary for treatment to his head injuries but he died shortly after being admitted.

Acting detective chief superintendent Paul Buschini is heading the murder inquiry.

He said: "An incident room has been set up at Blackburn Police Station. The assailant and motive is as yet unknown.

"We urgently need to speak to anybody who was in the area between midnight and 12.40am who saw any suspicious activity." Shocked neighbours crowded around the house when they heard the bang.

A couple who live near the crime scene, too frightened to be named, said: "There were some women in the house at the time and they ran across the road to tell us.

"We immediately called the police who arrived straight away. The street was full of police and neighbours.

"The women were hysterical. We went over to the house and found Paul slumped on the floor with blood all over his head and face. We can't believe he is dead, it is awful.

"We knew the lad and he was very well known around here. He didn't deserve this."

Another neighbour, who has lived in the area for more than 40 years, said: "It used to be nice to live around here. Lots of community spirit.

"All that's gone now. It's terrible that something like this can happen."

Whitehead Street and all access routes to the victim's home were cordoned off by police who were standing guard at the crime scene.

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