Police are hunting a gunman after a young man was blasted dead in a posh Regency town.

Officers were called to reports of a male found seriously injured along a residential street in Royal Leamington Spa, Warks., at 3am today (Thurs).

Emergency services rushed to the junction of Clemens Street and Ranelagh Terrace and took the victim to hospital with a suspected gunshot wound.

Despite the efforts of medics, the man, aged in his late 20s, could not be saved and Warwickshire Police has now launched a murder investigation.

The force said it is believed he was shot a short time earlier in nearby Frances Havergal Close before he was found collapsed in the street.

A post-mortem is due to take place and the man’s next of kin has been informed while his family is supported by specially trained liaison officers.

Chief Inspector Faz Chishty, local policing commander for Warwick District, said: "A murder investigation has been launched, and a number of enquiries are currently ongoing to ascertain the circumstances. "

"Our thoughts remain with the man’s family who are being supported by specially trained officers."

"We recognise the concern this incident, which is believed to be isolated, may have caused the local community and want to reassure them that a full investigation is underway. "

"The public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area while officers carry out enquiries, and as part of this, a scene guard and a road closure are currently in place at either end of Ranelagh Terrace, and at Frances Havergal Close by the junction with Ranelagh Terrace."

"If anyone was in the area shortly before 3am this morning and may have seen or heard anything suspicious, or who may have any dashcam or doorbell footage, please get in contact."

"There is likely to be significant disruption in the local area while we carry out enquiries at the scene. "

"I’d like to thank local people for their cooperation and patience while we do this."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident number 33 of 10 August or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.