A sniper's victim is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a pellet from his leg.

Matt Golightly, 27, pleaded with police to catch the gunman quickly after doctors told him he could have been killed.

It is believed the gunman, in a red Ford Fiesta, had already struck minutes earlier when he shot a woman in her bottom as she walked along The Ridgeway, in Westcliff.

Mr Golightly was shot at as he walked home from a pub.

The part-time graphic design student of Genesta Road, Westcliff, said: "The doctor said if it had hit any of my organs I could be dead." Mr Golightly went to Southend Hospital and underwent surgery to remove the pellet.

Anyone with information should call 01702 471212.

Published Monday, April 28, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Echo