Gunman hunted after two boys shot

The gunman got out of a silver car and shot at the group

A masked gunman who shot two teenage boys is being hunted by police.

Officers said the attacker was among a number of men in a car that pulled up beside the boys in the Ardwick area of Manchester before midnight on Saturday.

A 15-year-old was shot five times - in the chest, back, groin, buttock and thigh. His 13-year-old friend was hit once, in the lower leg.

Detectives are still trying to find a motive for the attack, which happened as the boys played in the street.

Early indications are that this was not a random attack Supt Gerry McGowan GMP

Supt Gerry McGowan said a silver car drove up to the teenagers, who were with a group of other youngsters, and the masked man got out.

He said: "A group of youths were gathered when a silver coloured vehicle approached and another youth got out and a number of shots were discharged.

"One male received five bullet wounds to his upper body and leg. He is in a serious but stable condition in hospital.

"Another male received a bullet wound to his lower leg. He is still receiving treatment at hospital.

"We cannot say what was the motive for the attack and early indications are that this is not a random attack, although we cannot say whether the youths who were hit were the intended targets."

Police said up to four other men may have been in the car with the gunman and may have all been wearing masks.

The gunman is described as about 6ft tall, of muscular build, wearing dark clothing and a balaclava.

The group of about five children were attacked as they played on a grassy pedestrian strip of land linking Billing Avenue to another residential street.

Police were unable to confirm the type of weapon used in the attack and said no firearms had been recovered.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who may have information about the car, or the men travelling in it.