A COUPLE shot by a gunman through the front window of their home in Horwich have been named by police.

Carl Handley, aged 25, was shot three times. He suffered wounds to his lower back, groin and thigh.

Police say a bullet remains lodged in Mr Handley's back. Two others have been removed.

His 24-year-old girlfriend Samantha Casey was hit in the shoulder. Police say she is awaiting surgery to remove it.

The pair remain at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

The couple's two-year-old daughter Lauren was also in their ground floor flat in St Bride's Close when the man began firing randomly with a handgun on Sunday. She escaped unhurt.

Police are still hunting the gunman. He is described as 5ft 8in tall, of medium build, wearing a grey-coloured zip-up jacket down to his waist.

Police said today the motive remains a mystery although the couple have both been interviewed and have given statements from hospital.

Anyone with information is asked to call 0161 856 5740.