A MAN has been "shot" after asking another customer to wear a face mask.

Stephan Reynolds told how he was shot at by a man in Shirley Avenue on Wednesday afternoon.

The 57-year-old walked out of Shirley Post Office to see a man drive by in a silver Mercedes "grinning" at him.

After firing several shots from what is believed to be an air pistol the man then sped off having hit him just above the right eye.

Daily Echo:

The incident is said to have arisen after Stephan told the man he needed to wear a face mask inside the post office.

Following the alleged attack, he was left in shock and was treated at hospital.

A police spokesperson said: "Officers are investigating after receiving a report of a firearms incident on Shirley Avenue at 11.7am today (September 23).

"A 57-year-old man is alleged to have been shot by an air pistol.

"We believe this to be an isolated incident and the threat to the public is low but we treat incidents like this very seriously."

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information is urged to call 101 quoting 44200369216.