A MAN was shot and another stabbed during a street fight between two rival gangs.

The brawl erupted in Heywood Street, close to Bury town centre, at around 3.30pm on Saturday.

Terrified members of the public ran for cover as a gun was fired.

Local residents believe the incident was a dispute between two rival factions from Bolton and say the fight could have been drugs-related.

A police spokesman said: "Officers attended and found a small group of Asian men had become involved in a fight.

"Inquiries are continuing and we are appealing for witnesses."

Residents yesterday told how two cars arrived in Heywood Street for what appeared to be an arranged meeting. A number of masked men got out of one of the cars, but as they moved towards the other, it pulled away. It is understood that both the cars were then involved in a short chase before crashing into a row of parked vehicles.

In the chaos that followed, one man suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and cuts to his lower back and legs. Another had a slash wound to his buttocks and a cut to his back. Both were taken to hospital but their injuries were not life-threatening.

Witnesses reported seeing spent cartridges together with machete-style knives close to where the incident took place.

One 19-year-old, who lives close to where the shooting took place, said: "There have always been gangs in this area. It is not surprising guns were used, they are so easy to get hold of today if you know the right people."

Another said: "Residents around here are scared to speak out - they are frightened of telling anything to the police because to members of these gangs, life is worth very little."

Heywood Street was cordoned off on Saturday evening as detectives and forensic experts examined the area. It was reopened on Sunday morning.

Last September a 29-year-old man was shot in the leg when he answered the door of his home in Alfred Street, close to where Saturday's shooting took place.

A local shopkeeper has now called on police to tackle gang culture.

He said: "There were about six men fighting. It is the second shooting in this area in just a few months. It is frightening to think that people now carry guns and knives.

"Police really have to do something to stop this from getting worse."

Call police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111 if you can help.