A WOMAN was shot twice in the back in Wigan in the early hours of today, Thursday.

Police were called to Rutland Court in Ashton-in-Makerfield at around 12.20am where a 41-year-old-woman had been shot.

She was taken to hospital with her injuries not thought to be life-threatening.

Only five minutes earlier, at 12.15am, officers were called to Vicarage Road in Abram where another gun was fired.

No arrests have been made in relation to both incidents and enquiries are ongoing.

READ > Serial rapist dies from stab wound to neck days after being jailed for life

Chief Inspector Liz Sanderson, of GMP’s Wigan district, said: “Our thoughts are with the woman as she makes her recovery and I would like to stress just how seriously we are taking these incidents.

“Firearms were discharged at both locations within a matter of minutes of each other and we are treating these two incidents as linked.

“We would like to reassure residents that extra patrols will be in the area and anyone with concerns should speak to a police officer.”

If you have any information should contact police on 0161 856 3034 quoting incident number 0050 of September 12, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.