A GUNMAN may have left a Leigh man permanently blinded after shooting him in the eye through the spy hole in his front door.

The 28-year-old victim is now said to be in a stable condition in hospital after the attack at his Westbourne Avenue home at about 3pm on Friday, December 6.

The man went to his door when he heard his dog barking and felt a sharp pain in his left eye before realising he had been shot.

A pellet became lodged in his eye, while police believe the attack was carried out with an air gun.

Police said inquiries into the incident are ongoing.

Det Con Andy Partington, based at Leigh Police Station, said: “We believe the weapon used may be some kind of air gun.

“Whatever it was, the pellet has smashed the glass in the spy hole and lodged into his eye.

“He has received treatment but there is a possibility he may be permanently blinded.

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“I would ask anyone who may have seen someone with a weapon in or around the Westbourne Avenue area to contact us as soon as possible.

“We do not currently know whether this is a targeted or random attack.”

Anyone with information can phone police on 0161 856 7225 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.