A MAN suffered life threatening injuries when he was shot in the chest in a quiet Hampshire cul-de-sac.

The 38 year old was being treated at Southampton General Hospital last night after being blasted with an air gun.

Police arrested a 25-year-old man from Eastleigh on suspicion of assault.

He was being held by police for questioning last night by officers who said they were treating the shooting as an isolated incident.

The victim is said to be in a stable condition.

Colton Copse in Chandler’s Ford became a hive of police activity around 8pm on Sunday with two police vans and ambulances descending on the area.

Officers remained on the scene until yesterday afternoon with forensics experts collecting evidence.

A spokeswoman for South Central Ambulance Service said: “We received a call at 7.48pm on Sunday and treated a male with a life threatening chest injury.

“We sent two rapid response vehicles and an ambulance.”

Neighbours spoke of their shock over the shooting.

David Chalmers said he heard the sound of sirens on Sunday evening but did not know what was happening.

Mr Chalmers said: “I saw two ambulances come by last night we were wondering what was going on.

“I understand this is statistically one of the safest areas to live in Hampshire.

“It is appalling this has happened, we can’t believe it. It is very very strange. We have never seen police cars patrolling round here before.”

One man who did not want to be named, told the Daily Echo, “It is quite disturbing, I am shocked by this.

“I saw two police cars outside our home this morning but didn’t know what had happened. It is pretty shocking.”

Hampshire County Council’s councillor for Chandler’s Ford, Cllr Judith Grajewski said she was shocked to hear that something of this nature had happened right on her doorstep.

She said: “I have to say when you hear of any actions like this I am shocked.

“I understand that the victim has been taken to hospital and I wish him a full recovery.

“This is being treated as an isolated incident as it is unusual for something like this to happen in Chandler’s Ford.

“I would like to remind residents that this is one of the safest areas to live in the country.”

Parish councillor for Chandler’s Ford Alan Broadhurst, was also stunned by the shooting.

He said: “Certainly Chandler’s Ford is a very low crime area, it is not the sort of area where you expect to hear about anything like this. I am shocked, it really has taken me by surprise.”

Anyone with information can contact the police on 101.