A PHOTOGRAPH of a car used in a shooting has been released by police in Newcastle.

A 40-year-old man was shot in the leg after he left the VG shop, in Thorntree Drive, near its junction to Whickham View at about 9.40pm on May 15.

The attacker then got into the blue Seat Ibiza, registration J636 JBB, which was later abandoned in St Cuthbert's Road.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious leg injuries although his condition is not life threatening.

The attacker is white, in his early 20s, about 5ft 6in, and was wearing a light coloured baseball cap and dark tracksuit bottoms.

Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or anyone with information about the movements of the Seat Ibiza after April 25 when it was sold by its last owner.

Police say this incident is not being linked to any other shootings, and witnesses are asked to contact Newcastle CID on 0191-2146555 ext 62344.

l Five people have been arrested in connection with the attack and released pending inquiries.