The victims were targeted within an hour of each other

Police believe the pellets were all fired from the same rifle, near a block of flats on Barton Lane in Salford.

A 16-year-old girl was hit at the back of her neck at about 1830 BST, one man was hit in the back and a second was struck on the back of his head.

None of the victims was seriously injured in the attacks, but police are appealing for witnesses.

The teenage girl was taken to Hope Hospital for treatment.

The second victim, a man from Davyhulme, Greater Manchester, was hit at about 1900 BST.

It is only a matter of time before the offenders hit a child or someone more vulnerable Det Insp Steve Bell

The pellet made a hole in his jacket but did not seriously injure him.

The third man, a 29-year-old who was cycling past Grand Union Way ten minutes later, was treated for a puncture wound to the back of his head but is now recovering.

Det Insp Steve Bell said he wants to reassure local residents that police are determined to catch those responsible.

"Thankfully no one was seriously injured, but if this kind of behaviour continues it is only a matter of time before the offender or offenders hit a child or someone more vulnerable.