The men admitted themselves to North Manchester General Hospital on Monday shortly after 6pm.

One man died at the hospital while another was treated for shotgun wounds to the back.

A third was initially described as suffering bullet grazes but was later said to be in a serious condition.

Then late last night, a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said one of the survivors had discharged himself while the other man was transferred to another hospital - whose location was kept secret.

No information was released about where the shootings took place and the force spokesman refused to confirm that they were linked.

A post-mortem examination is likely to be carried out and it is thought detectives will make an appeal for help after releasing more information about the circumstances of the shootings.

The dead man's details have not yet been released.