NEW details have been released in the hunt for a gang of masked men who attacked a businessman with baseball bats before shooting him in the leg.

The victim, who police say was specifically targeted, was attacked at around 8.55am on Murdock Road in Middlesbrough last Tuesday by the gang believed to be from the Liverpool area.

The man, aged in his 40s, was taken to the town's James Cook University Hospital for treatment and later released from hospital.

Officers from Cleveland Police believe that is it possible that the group of four or five males, all with Liverpool accents, could have travelled to the area the night before the shooting and stayed in a local bed and breakfast or hotel.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Young said: “It is likely that those responsible for this attack travelled to the area the evening prior to the incident, where they could have used local restaurants, petrol stations or shops and then stayed in a local bed and breakfast or hotel. My appeal would be to any local business owners who may have noticed a group of four or five males with Liverpool accents to come forward, in particular anyone with CCTV footage.

“A number of drivers have contacted us offering dash cam footage which we have now viewed. The vehicle used in this incident is a top of the range navy blue VW Golf with silver wing mirrors and blacked out windows. It would stand out, especially with car enthusiasts.

"Anyone who may have seen the vehicle between around 8.50am and 9.15am last Tuesday, July 4, is also urged to contact us.”

The victim was attacked after he arrived at a business premises in his white Mercedes Benz.

While the gang travelled to the scene in a navy blue R-line Volkswagen Golf and sped away onto the A66 towards Grangetown, then along the Trunk Road towards Marske, onto Redcar Road and the A174.

An hour later officers discovered a navy blue Volkswagen Golf on fire in woods near to Four Lane Ends near Saltburn.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact DCI Young from the Cleveland and North Yorkshire Major Investigation Team on 101, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org