A MAN shot in the stomach outside a Southend tower block was attacked in the midst of drug gang warfare, police have revealed.

The 23-year-old from London was taken to Royal London Hospital for treatment to shotgun wounds to his stomach after he staggered into a convenience store in Southchurch Road, Southend, at about 12.45pm on Monday, April 18.

Police have identified that the shooting took place under the Malvern flats tower block, off Coleman Street, Southend.

The man was taken to Southend Hospital for treatment to his injuries, which did not turn out to be life-threatening.

While he was in hospital, officers discovered a large amount of heroin and the 23-year-old subsequently tried to leave hospital the following day.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply heroin and was taken to a police station for questioning.

Officers then returned him to hospital for further treatment and he was then released on bail until June 21.

Following the discovery of the drugs, police have confirmed that they are treating the shooting as gang-related and are urging residents to root out the gang members responsible.

Detective Chief Inspector Stuart Smith, from the Serious Crime Directorate, who is investigating the shooting, said that innocent members of the public are at risk when drug gangs carry out feuds on the streets.

He said: "While this man was in hospital receiving treatment for his wounds, a substantial amount of what is believed to be heroin was recovered and this has led to his arrest.

"We want to find everyone who was involved in this truly shocking incident, which we are treating as gang related.

"They are putting the lives of the people of Southend at risk by carrying out their feuds on the streets of the town and we need to arrest them as soon as possible.

"I would urge anyone with information about what happened on April 18 when our victim was shot to get in touch and tell us what they know. We will take action.”

Chief Inspector Simon Anslow, district commander for Southend, said: "This attack appears to have been targeted but I am very conscious that it would be all too easy for innocent members of the public to find themselves caught up in such violence.

"Everyone in Southend has the right to go about their business without having to worry about drug dealers fighting or menacing others.

"All of my officers and staff are dedicated to protecting the people of this good town and keeping them safe.

"If anyone has information about drug dealers, the properties they are using, the cars and locations they are selling from or the vulnerable people they are taking advantage of, then it is vitally important that they tell us.”

The gunman is still on the loose.

Anyone with information can call police at Southend on 101 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, it offers rewards of up to £1,000 for information leading to the arrest and charge of suspects.