Gardaí at Gorey are appealing for assistance from the public after a man in his early 40s sustained serious leg  injuries after a number of shots were fired outside a house at Clonganny,a few miles from Ballygarrett, around 2 o’clock this afternoon.

An intensive house-to-house search was launched immediately, and a Garda spokesman said they were waiting to question the injured man and to try and establish a motive for the serious incident.

“We are appealing to anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the general area, heard shots or may have witnessed the torching of the abandoned vehicle,” said a Garda spokesperson tonight.

Anyone who can assist the Gardaí with their enquiries should contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 9430690 or use the Garda confidential number 1800 666 111.