The 30-year-old was attacked after a man was ejected from The Derby pub on Widnes Road, Widnes, on Friday night.

He was taken by ambulance to Whiston Hospital where his condition is said to be poorly, but stable.

Extra police patrols are being carried out and the Cheshire Constabulary is assuring the public that shootings in the area are rare.

No one else was injured in the incident at 1130 GMT on Friday.

Intensive search

The gunman is described as white, aged in his late 20s to early 30s, 5ft 8ins tall and of medium build. He was wearing a blue hooded top.

Police said he initially entered the pub with another man who was also white, aged in his early 20s, about 5ft 8ins tall and of slim build. He was also wearing a blue hooded top.

Det Supt Phil Charlton said an intensive search for the two men was taking place.

"I would like to reassure the local community that this is an extremely rare occurrence that a firearm is discharged in the county," he said.

"We are making every effort to find these offenders and bring them to justice as quickly as possible."