A MAN was "knee-capped" when three masked thugs burst into his Little Hulton home last night -- as drug warfare erupted on the Amblecote estate. The 35-year-old victim was shot in the knee and also in his buttock. Surgeons later had to amputate part of the victim's leg below the knee.

A 28-year-old man, who was also in the house, was beaten-up and stabbed in the leg.

Today a large police hunt was underway for the three men who burst into the house in Chedworth Crescent, Little Hulton, at 7.15pm. They fled, leaving their victims screaming in agony inside.

The alarm was raised by neighbours who heard the sound of gunshots. Police were quickly on the scene and roads were sealed off as police, including officers aboard the force helicopter, mounted a huge search.

Detectives have not released a motive for the attack but the BEN understands that a quantity of drugs were discovered in the house.

The shooting marks a return to violence on the Amblecote estate which has been calm over recent months. Today extra police were patrolling the streets of the area.

Police have not released the names of the victims.

The thugs, all wearing balaclavas, smashed their way into the house through the front door. The 35-year-old was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital. He underwent surgery overnight.

He was under police guard in hospital today and was described as "serious but stable".

The younger man was treated at the same hospital but was allowed home today.

The man leading the investigation Det Chief Insp David Crompton, head of Swinton CID, described the incident as a "nasty attack."

He said: "At this time we have no idea how they left the scene. These men must be caught and I would urge anyone with information to get in touch."

Neighbours today described their shock at the attack. One said: "Around here you keep your doors shut."

Another neighbour said: "I keep myself to myself. The door remains shut and I try not to get involved. There are a lot of drugs around here and there has been trouble with the police in this area before."

A reward for information leading to an arrest -- under the Crimestoppers scheme -- is on offer.

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