A MAN has been treated in hospital after being shot with an air rifle during a drive-by attack.

Detectives have launched an investigation into the shooting, which unfolded in the Rossmore area of Poole earlier this week.

The victim, a 23-year-old local man who was shot in the leg, made his own way to Poole Hospital after the attack. His injuries have been described as not life-threatening.

Dorset Police say the victim was walking along Rossmore Road, near the junction with Brixey Road, around 5.20pm on Monday, January 30.

As he walked in the direction of the Co-op store, a black Ford Fiesta with heavily tinted windows drove past him in the opposite direction.

The car then slowed, made a U-turn, and that was when the barrel of an air rifle appeared in one of its windows.

A shot was fired and the victim was hit on the back of the leg.

Detective Inspector Wayne Seymour, of Bournemouth CID, said: "I am appealing to anyone who may have seen a black Ford Fiesta with heavily tinted windows acting suspiciously in the area at the relevant time to contact police.

"Anyone with information as to the occupants or other information that can assist with the investigation should get in touch or call Crimestoppers anonymously."

Contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting occurrence number 55170015087.