Two 'seriously injured' in terrifying gang shootout in suburban town
Last updated at 18:26 23 August 2007
Two men were seriously injured today during a terrifying gang shootout in a suburban town.
Six have been arrested over the incident, police confirmed tonight.
Armed officers raced to the scene of the attack near a railway station in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, at 11.40am. Witnesses said one man had been shot three time in the face at point blank range and another was hit in the chest.
A spokeswoman for Hertfordshire Police said two men were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
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Hertfordshire Police said five men - four in their 20s and one in his mid-30s - were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
A woman in her 30s was also held over the incident, and a number of weapons were recovered from the scene.
Onlookers said the shooting was preceded by a car chase where one vehicle was rammed off the road onto a grass verge.
The scene outside a convenience store in a residential area, and the cars involved, were cordoned off by police as forensic science officers began combing the area.
A police spokeswoman said: "Although police are seeking witnesses to the incident, officers are confident there is no one else outstanding in relation to what is an isolated dispute. Both of the injured men are receiving treatment and are in a serious but not life threatening condition."
Assistant Chief Constable Gary Kitching of Hertfordshire police said: "This is obviously a very serious situation but it is an isolated dispute. I am very mindful how residents are feeling and want to reassure them at this stage."
Taxi drivers near Letchworth's railway station said one man had been shot three times in the face after an argument between two men.
A driver, who asked not to be named, said: "As far as I know a man has been shot in the face three times.
"I've been told by other drivers that one of the blokes said he was going to shoot the other and the other one said 'go on then'. And he did, three times."
Hertfordshire Police later confirmed that three men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the shooting.
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