A dad and son were among three victims hit by a hail of bullets on an estate in Skelmersdale , the ECHO understands.
Lancashire Police has confirmed three men, aged 21, 45 and 46, were injured when shots were fired in Belfield, off Digmoor Road, shortly before 1.30pm today.
Residents in the estate said the youngest man was the most seriously hurt , and was seen being put on a stretcher and taken to a waiting air ambulance helicopter, which landed on a nearby grassy area.
One person, who did not wish to be named, said: "I only saw the helicopter landing. I spoke to a woman who said it was a lad and his dad.
"The lad was in a worse way, she said he had been shot in the back. She held a tea-towel on his back, and he was crying, saying he was going to die.
"The dad was in a better way, I think he had been hit in the arm."
Lancashire Police said the three victim's injuries were "not thought to be life threatening".
Other local residents also suggested the victims included a father and son.
One said: "I have three children and it does worry you when something like this happens on your doorstep."
A local who knew the youngest victim said: "He was a good kid, he was always very nice, but he just sort of drifted away from the other kids here.
"It's difficult for young lads in Skelmersdale, there's nothing round here for them.
"It's the forgotten town. We don't have a train station, there are no youth clubs or sports centres. It used to be a great place to live but knife crime has shot up in the last 10 years."
At the scene forensic investigators could be seen examining a number of walkways on the estate and there were several cordons in place.
In one of the cordoned off areas, officers pulled a high visibility jacket from a wheelie bin and placed it into a large brown evidence bag.
Chief Inspector Ian Jones, of Skelmersdale Police said: "We’re in the very early stages of an investigation and I would appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything or who has information which could assist to get in touch.
"I know that this will have caused a lot of fear in the local community but would like to reassure people that this incident was not directed at the general public and appears to be a targeted attack.
"We have additional police officers on Belfield and in the wider Digmoor and Skelmersdale area who will be carrying out high visibility patrols, along with extra specialist resources including armed officers.
"These officers are there for reassurance and we’d urge you to speak to them if you have any questions, concerns or information.
"This level of serious violence is completely unacceptable and we will do all we can to find those responsible."
The force said a Section 60 order, allowing officers to search people and vehicles without suspicion, had been put in place in the area from 5pm and would remain in force until 5am.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0622 of October 15, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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