A gun has been found by police investigating the shooting of a man in his leg 10 days ago.
Detectives have been probing the targeting of a man in Skelmersdale who was blasted in the leg at 9.30pm on September 6.
The man was found in a property near Ennerdale, bleeding from his wound, and was rushed to hospital.
Now, police have revealed officers have found a shotgun which they believe could have been the weapon used in the attack.
The firearm was discovered during a systematic open search of land, off Stannought Road.
Tests will be carried out on the weapon to see if it can be linked to the shooting or any other incidents.
Last week, three men – aged 20, 27 and 36 and all from Skelmersdale – were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.
They have all been released on bail.
A police presence will remain in the area in the coming days.
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The man shot did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
Detectives are continuing to appeal for information and are asking anybody who witnessed the incident or knows who may be responsible to get in touch.
Detective Chief Inspector Zoe Russo, of Lancashire’s Force Major Investigation Team, said: “We appreciate this incident will have caused concern in the community but we would like to reassure people that our investigation is very much ongoing.
"The public will continue to see a police presence in the area as we carry out our enquiries.
“We are continuing to ask anybody with information about the incident to get in touch with us as soon as possible.
"Perhaps you were in the area and saw all or part of what happened, or perhaps you have heard something and believe you know who may be responsible.
"Whatever information you have we would urge you to get in touch with us.”
Anybody with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 1589 of September 6th.
Alternatively independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.
