Shot gardener 'has no memory of incident'

A 61-year-old man who was apparently shot in the head while gardening cannot remember what happened to him, police said today.

Peter Hesford was found collapsed outside the house he shares with his wife Marie in Grindley Avenue in the Chorlton area of Manchester on April 19.

He was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition, but he has no memory of the shooting, police said.

The bullet is still lodged in his brain, an image of which was released by detectives in a bid to solve the mystery.

Ballistics experts examined the X-rays and concluded that the missile had entered his head through his eye.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Eckersley, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "This man has obviously suffered a really serious injury, and we've made many inquiries, but we have not yet found out how he was hurt.

"I'm asking for anyone who might know anything about this incident to come forward. Cast your mind back to that Monday afternoon - did you see or hear anything unusual in that area? Do you know what happened? If you do, you must call us.

"What did happen has certainly left the victim and his family feeling understandably upset and concerned and I'm determined to get to the bottom of it."

Anyone with any information should call police on 0161 856 6090 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.