A manhunt is underway after gunshots were fired at a family home during a “frightening” incident in Chesham late yesterday evening which has left neighbours in "shock".

Officers were called to a property in Deansway at around 11.30pm on Saturday, August 20 following a “firearms incident”.

A man – who was not known to the occupants - knocked on the door of the property, fired three gunshots and left, police say.

No one was injured.

Shocked residents have described hearing “fireworks” and “loud bangs” that evening, with a large crowd gathering in the street after the shooting.

Deansway resident, Brian Shreive, said: “We did not hear anything – our neighbours heard a bang at about 12pm. I was quite shocked because it was so close to us especially in a small quiet town like Chesham.

“It is not a ‘do good town’ but you don’t expect someone to be running around with a gun – what is Chesham coming to?

“It makes you quite nervous that someone is still out there running around with it.  Police are under a lot of pressure these days.”

And Feronzb Kiani said police are regularly in the area: “There were a lot of people standing outside at around 12. I did not hear as I had the TV on.

“They are a lovely family. Thank god no one was shot.

“Nothing really happens around here. Everyone is a friend and people don’t fight and Chesham is so small – nothing happens.

“Police are coming all the time around here looking after us which is very good.”

And another Deansway resident – who did not want to be named said: “We just saw the aftermath. We saw the crowds outside after the incident. My son thinks he heard some fireworks because there are quote a lot of those at the moment – then we saw some crowds outside.

“It was quite noisy, but I didn’t hear anything before that. We have had a few incidents around here but apart from that it is just a normal town.”

The man who fired the gun is described as black, 6ft with a slim face.  He was wearing a black hooded top.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Joe Banfield from Aylesbury police station, said: “I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area of Deansway last night.

“This was very frightening and distressing for the victim and police are offering support to him and his family.”

Anyone with any information on the incident has been urged to contact Thames Valley Police via 101 or can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.