A MAN was shot in the stomach in Woolston last night.

Police were called to Warrington Hospital shortly after 6.30pm on Monday, November 18, after a black car pulled up at the main entrance and dropped off the 37-year-old victim outside.

Warrington Guardian:

He remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Officers are carrying out door-to-door enquiries around Somerset Way in Woolston, with the man believed to have been shot at the entrance to Woolston Park near to Monks Sports and Social Club.

Warrington Guardian:

Detective inspector Chris Maddocks said: “At this stage we believe this is an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the local community.

“However I understand an incident like this can cause concern, and we are working hard to establish the circumstances.

“As part of the investigation local community officers will be in the area to provide reassurance and anyone who has any concerns or information is encouraged to speak to them.

Warrington Guardian:

“We are in the early stages of the investigation and are trying to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident.

“It would have been very busy around the hospital shortly after 6.30pm, and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have seen an injured man arrive in a black car or if you saw the car drive away.

“Any information, dashcam or CCTV footage you have at either around Somerset Way or at Warrington Hospital could really help with our investigation and piece together what has happened.

“Anyone with any information can call Cheshire Police on 101, quoting IML568236.

“If you do not feel comfortable speaking to the police directly please to get in touch with Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”

Detectives are investigating a potential link between the incident and a black Volkswagen Golf which was torched on Peel Hall Park last night.

Warrington Guardian:

Police on the scene at Peel Hall Park this morning - pictures by Chris Robb

Firefighters tackled the blaze, off Blackbrook Avenue, shortly before 7.30pm.

A large number of police vehicles remained present in the area today, Tuesday.

Reader Chris Robb told the Warrington Guardian: “The car had been driven over a grass ramp and set alight deliberately.

“This morning, a large area of the park is cordoned off with crime scene tape and a large police presence around the area.

Warrington Guardian:

“The scene was being examined by four crime scene staff or detectives wearing white oversuits and boots, including a second area around the children’s play equipment.”