A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after another man suffered “life-changing injuries” in a shooting.

The shootings took place in two separate incidents on Westleigh Lane and Westbourne Avenue in Leigh on Wednesday January 26 and left a 33-year-old man with serious shotgun injuries.

Following a police investigation, a 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in a specialist strike by armed officers in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, South Manchester just last Friday.

Assistant Chief Constable Scott Green said: "Recent incidents in the Wigan area will no doubt have caused understandable concern in the town as we have seen some serious and deliberate acts of violence that could have left somebody fatally injured.

"Last night's strike demonstrates the excellent collaboration we have here at GMP of officers and detectives working together across different districts, and between a number of central resources, to operate in such a swift and decisive manner to bring to custody those that we believe are responsible for such serious incidents.

The 20-year-old was arrested after an investigation by officers from Wigan CID, the Serious and Organised Crime Group and Force Critical Wanted Unit detectives.

Tactical Firearms Unit officers target the home in Chorlton and found him in the loft of the building on Friday May 18.

As well as suspicion of attempted murder he also remains in custody for questioning on suspicion of section 18 assault, robbery and sexual assault.

A crime scene remained in place at the Chorlton building into the evening as specialist officers searched the area for any potential evidence to be forensically recovered.

Police officers said that they wished to thank the public for their cooperation during the operation and claim that there is no risk to the wider community in relation to arrest.

ACC Green said: "Firearms discharges are down a third in Greater Manchester in the last 12 months and that is a trend we are only determined to continue decreasing; so when attacks like this are reported to us, suspects and the public alike should see this action and know to expect a very robust response from us."