DETECTIVES are today still hunting two men who gunned down a young father in a gangland-style shooting in Darenth, near Dartford.

The 25-year-old victim needed emergency stomach surgery after being shot at point-blank range on his own doorstep as his two young children slept upstairs. He was confronted by two men, one brandishing a handgun, when he opened his front door in Coller Crescent at about 10pm on Monday.

There was a scuffle during which the gun was fired. The gunmen then fled in a dark-coloured Ford Orion or Sierra Saphire towards Langlands Drive.

The condition of the victim, who has not yet been named, is described as stable. He is being kept under police guard for his own safety.

Detectives have not ruled out a professional hit but have stressed they are keeping an open mind. Officers have been carrying out door-to-door enquiries and searched the victim's terraced house and garden.

Det Insp Ajoy Gosain, who is leading the hunt for the gunmen, said: "One of our lines of inquiry will be to research his background. It would appear this individual has been targeted for this particular crime."

The armed man was white and wore a grey jacket, jeans and a baseball cap. His accomplice, also white, was dressed in black and covered his face.

DI Gosain is appealing for anyone who saw the car drive off or heard the gunshot to contact him on 01474 565129.