POLICE are hunting for a gunman who shot a teenager in the back with a sawn-off shotgun.

The 19-year-old victim was shot near his home in Pensher Street East, Felling, Gateshead, Tyneside, at about 1pm on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital where shotgun pellets were removed from his back, before he was discharged.

A police spokesman said it appeared the teenager had been involved in a dispute with his attacker who drew the gun.

He said: "We believe the teenager was trying to leave the scene when he was shot in the back with what is believed to be a sawn-off shotgun.

The gunman got into an L-registered blue Vauxhall Cavalier, being driven by another man.

They drove off in the direction of the Felling bypass.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gateshead CID on 0191-454 7555.