COMMUNITY leaders have reacted with shock to the news that an East Lancashire woman was shot by Cumbrian gun-man Derrick Bird, as her condition improves in hospital.

Friends said that Fiona Moretta, 52, of Rishton, could even be home in days, despite being shot in the face just one week ago by Bird during his murder rampage.

The mother-of-two is recovering in Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, after initially being critically ill.

Hyndburn MP Graham Jones said everyone in Hyndburn was thinking of her.

And Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said the borough had been left ‘shocked’ by the shooting.

He said: “No one could fail to be shocked by what happened in Cumbria last week and to find that someone from Hyndburn was shot is awful news.

“I am delighted that she is improving and I wish her all the best.

“I hope that she can come to terms with the traumatic experience that she has been through.”

Mr Jones said he would offer any support he could to her, and her family.

He said: “It is a real shock and I hope that she is able to recover.

“She has survived and she is one of the lucky ones.”

Yesterday, in an exclusive interview with the Lancashire Telegraph, friends revealed the details of the horrific shooting.

Pam Marsden said Bird drove past her friend Mrs Moretta as she walked down a quiet country lane, before stopping and reversing and then shooting her in the head, aiming for her face as he had done for many of his victims.

Friends said that she was able to turn her head slightly before she was hit and the bullet hit her in the right hand side of her head, breaking her jaw.

Shrapnel also entered her throat.