UPDATE - 6pm: A man has been hospitalised after a shooting in Ellesmere Port on Saturday (November 30).

Cheshire Police has confirmed that at 2.25pm a man was shot in the leg on Enfield Road.

He was taken to Aintree Hospital and his condition is described by police as being stable.

Police have sought to reassure the public that the incident is not thought to be related to terrorism.

The town's police team said on Twitter: "While the incident on Enfield Road, and the circumstances surrounding it, remain ongoing we want to reassure the public that this is not believed to be terrorist related."

Dozens of people took to social media to describe hearing gunshots in the area of Enfield Road.

Forensics teams are currently at the scene and people are urged to avoid the area.

A Cheshire Police statement said: "Cheshire Police are investigating a firearms discharge that has taken place in Ellesmere Port.

"At 2.25pm on Saturday 30 November a man was shot in the leg on Enfield Road and taken to Aintree Hospital where he is in a serious but not life threatening condition.

"A large policing presence remains at the scene including armed officers and the area is cordoned off.

"The investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and arrest those responsible, however it is not believed to be terrorist related.

"The public are asked to avoid the area and if they have any concerns to speak to a local officer.

If you have any information please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 577560 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Officers with Ellesmere Port Police earlier said on their Facebook page: "We are currently responding to reports of a firearm having been discharged in the Enfield Road area.

"Armed officers are at the scene and the road is closed. Please avoid the area. If you have any information call us on 101 quoting IML 577560."

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said soon after: "At 2.25pm on Saturday 30 November police received a report of a firearm having being discharged on Enfield Road in Ellesmere Port.

"There is a large policing presence at the scene including armed officers and the area remains closed. The incident is in its early stages and the circumstances surrounding it are ongoing.

"The public are asked to avoid the area and if they have any concerns to speak to a local officer. If you have any information please contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 577560.”

She wrote on the Pride in the Port Facebook page: "Man shot in port enfield rd. well done to the police for catching him and the people who helped the injured person. Xx Not a hoax I've just witnessed it .."

Photos emerging on social media suggest a man has been arrested following the incident although this has not been confirmed by police.

More to come.