Officers protect shooting victim

Police cordon off the scene of the shooting in Portsmouth

A nightclub doorman is in hospital being guarded by the police as detectives hunt a man who shot him.

He was targeted by a gunman wearing a horror mask, as he walked to his car after work at the Elegance nightclub in Southsea, Portsmouth, early on Sunday.

The attacker shot him once then fled the scene, Hampshire Police said. They are now appealing for witnesses.

The wounded man is at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth, where surgeons are to operate on the injury.

This is a very serious crime and we urge the public to help us find the man responsible as quickly as possible Det Insp Adam Price

A Hampshire Constabulary spokeswoman said: "He will undergo surgery to remove the shot.

"His condition is described as stable and his injuries are not life-threatening.

"His family have been informed."

Detective Inspector Adam Price said: "Shooting incidents of this nature are extremely rare.

"But this is a very serious crime and we urge the public to help us find the man responsible as quickly as possible.

"If you witnessed this incident, saw a man acting suspiciously in the area or know of anyone who recently purchased a Scream-style mask , then please call us now and help us identify him."