A MAN has suffered serious injuries after being shot.

The 38-year-old was hit by an air rifle pellet and received serious chest injuries.

The incident happened in Colton Copse, Chandler's Ford, before 8pm last night.

A 25-year-old man from Eastleigh was arrested by police on suspicion of assault and is being held for questioning.

The victim is receiving treatment at Southampton General Hospital and is in a stable condition.

A police spokesman said it is being treated as an isolated incident.

A police car remains at the scene and residents say they saw two police cars on Monday morning.

Neighbours in the cul-de-sac in the heart of Chandler's Ford spoke of their shock that such an incident could happen.

David Chalmers said he heard the sound of sirens on Sunday evening but did not know what was happening.

Mr Chalmers said:"I saw two ambulances come by last night we were wondering what was going on.

He added nothing like this has happened in the area, he said: "I understand it is statistically one of the safest areas to live in Hampshire. It is appalling this has happened, we can't believe it. It is very very strange, we have never seen police cars patrolling round here before."

One man who did not want to be named, said: "It is quite disturbing I am shocked by this. I saw two police cars outside our home this morning but didn't know what had happened. It is pretty shocking."

Another resident said:"It is a really nice area there's low crime,good schools, we have no the problems with social disturbances, it is very unusual to hear about this.

"It is really surprising but Christmas time is the most stressful time of the year."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.