A stolen van belonging to the victim of a shooting has been found abandoned in Charing.

A 43-year-old man, was shot in the face with an air rifle after he confronted thieves who were trying to break into his Toyota Hilux van in Rye on Saturday night.

The owner was told that people were trying to break into his van, which has Environment Agency written on the side, just before midnight.

He went out to investigate and was confronted by men, who drove at him with their dark coloured car. He jumped out of the way and was shot at with an air rifle. The thieves then towed away his van which was found an hour later in Charing.

The victim was taken to William Harvey Hospital where his condition is said to be stable.

DI Hannah Willard from Sussex Police said: “This was a violent attack and we are doing all we can to trace these men. The van was found just over an hour later in Charing, Kent, and it is being forensically examined.

"The victim is being treated for pellet wounds to his face and we will be talking to him to get as much information as possible. Extensive enquiries are being made and I would urge anyone with information to contact detectives.”

Anyone with information can call 101 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.