A Leigh man fired a shotgun through a bedroom door which three women were hiding behind in a "cowardly act".

The victims were in the bedroom of the property of Worsley Mesnes in Wigan on Saturday, July 8 when they reported hearing two loud bangs on the locked front door before it was smashed.

They saw two men running up the stairs before Scott Higgins brandished a shotgun.

To protect themselves, the victims quickly slammed the bedroom door, barricading themselves in.

After unsuccessful attempts to enter the room, Higgins fired shots at the door.

The women managed to avoid being injured and members of the public helped police to apprehend Higgins.

After an initial "no comment" police interview, the 35-year-old, of Kirkhall Lane, Leigh, later pleaded guilty at Bolton Crown Court to possession of a firearm with the intention to endanger life.

He was sentenced on Thursday, December 14 to 17 years and given a restraining order.

Detective Inspector Lee Gridley of Wigan’s CID said: “This incident was extremely distressing to those involved, and I know was of concern to the community at the time.

“Scott Higgins is set to spend a lengthy time in prison for his role in this cowardly act, and is no longer free to commit further harm.

“I’d like to once again thank the victims for their bravery in coming forward to report this incident, as well as the public who assisted us to apprehend Scott Higgins at the time.”