A man was fighting for his life this evening after being blasted in the head in Huddersfield.
He was wounded by a shotgun fired from close range and was critically injured in what police are treating as a case of attempted murder.
The unnamed 31-year-old is now under armed guard in a Yorkshire hospital following the attempted murder which occurred at 9.30pm on Tuesday night on Springwood Avenue, just off the Huddersfield ring road.
Detectives mounted a huge police operation after the terrifying attack on Tuesday evening and revealed they believed the victim had been targeted.
Police toured the Springwood area to reassure residents that no-one else was believed to be at risk.
The man was sitting in a parked white Audi A3 with several other people when he was shot in the head by a balaclava-clad man dressed in dark clothing.
He received serious head and neck injuries and was rushed immediately to hospital where he was taken to the operating theatre for emergency surgery.
Today he was described as being in a “critical” condition.
As police began their investigations they confirmed two cars suspected of being involved were found.
A Mini and a VW Golf R32, which were involved in the incident, were found by officers on Quarmby Road, Huddersfield, and at Holthead Road, Slaithwaite.
Two men aged 35-years-old and 24 years-old have been arrested in connection with the incident and are in custody.
Police also swooped on a block of flats in Brighouse at lunchtime today as part of their inquiries.
Armed officers swooped on the town centre as the hunt was stepped up after the shooting.
Two rapid response cars and a police van were tasked to Millroyd Mill along the River Calder in Brighouse off Huddersfield Road.
Residents at the apartments were initially told to stay in their properties when armed police arrived along with search dogs and forensics support officers.
One witness, who did not wish to be named, said: “Police turned up in riot gear with rifles. I didn’t know what was going on. I thought maybe somebody was threatening to jump from the roof.
“They were here for around 45 minutes. I’m not sure if they went in the building.”
A police car remained at the scene at the junction with Millroyd Street at the main entrance to the apartments for several hours yesterday.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Taylor said: “It appears that the victim was specifically targeted in what was an isolated incident and we are treating this as an attempted murder.
“We are continuing to establish the full circumstances and motivations behind this and I would appeal for anyone with information to contact us on the non-emergency number 101 number or via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111”.
Det Chief Insp Taylor added: “I want to know if anyone remembers seeing a Mini or a VW Golf travelling at high speed in and around the centre of Huddersfield on Tuesday night.
“Likewise, I would urge people to get in touch if they saw or heard anything suspicious, or have any information that could further assist our investigations.
“Overnight we have conducted house-to-house enquiries within the immediate area, these enquiries will continue along with a detailed forensic examination of the scene.
“Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are also patrolling the area to speak to residents and offer any support they may require.”
Click on the stories below to see how we have reported the story as it has unfolded.
Police deployed to Springwood to deal with firearms incident
Springwood firearms incident: Two arrested as man in hospital after shooting
Huddersfield shooting victim 'specifically targeted' by gunman: police ask for public's help
Shot in the head: Man blasted in car by masked gunman in Huddersfield
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