THREE men are today helping police with their inquiries after a man was shot in the stomach in a Southampton street.

Police were called to Sandhurst Road in the Polygon area of the city in the early hours of yesterday after an argument developed between a group of males and a shot was heard.

A 23-year-old Asian male from the area received a gunshot wound to the stomach and another 23-year-old Asian male had been viciously assaulted in nearby Newcombe Road.

Both men, who have not been identified, were taken by ambulance to Southampton General Hospital where the gunshot victim underwent an emergency operation to remove the bullet.

Three Asian male suspects, all in their early 20s and from the surrounding area, were detained shortly after at the scene and following inquiries.

Police carried out an initial search of the scene and then after receiving further information they cordoned off Sandhurst Road for four hours yesterday afternoon as 14 officers conducted door to door inquiries and a fingertip search.

An undisclosed amount of property was detained following the search.

A spokesman for Shirley CID, said: "We are 99 per cent sure it was a proper firearm used.

"At the moment we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

"We would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward."

The gunshot victim, who suffered internal bleeding, is recovering at the General and remains in a stable condition.

Neighbour Robert Mayoh, of Newcombe Road, Polygon, said he was woken up by an argument about 2am and that it went of for a long time. "It went on for about an hour, " he said. "It woke me up but I've heard it so many times.

"About 3am I heard car doors slamming but that is not unusual. I looked out and there were four police cars.

"I've been pushing for CCTV on these cross roads, it all happens round here."

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or have any information is urged to contact DS Good or DC Rendall at Shirley CID on 0845 045 4545.