The man injured at Shenfield station car park this morning was shot by a gunman in a balaclava, British Transport Police have confirmed.

The 44-year-old, from Essex, was blasted in the leg as he arrived at the station shortly before 6am.

“As he got out of the car he was approached by an unknown man and received a single gunshot to the leg,” a police spokesman said.

“The man, wearing a balaclava, ran from the scene of the incident and left in a vehicle parked nearby.”

The victim was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life-threatening.

“At this stage of the investigation, police cannot confirm the vehicle or weapon used,” police added.

Det Supt Gary Richardson, leading the investigation, said: “At this stage we believe the victim of this assault was deliberately targeted. We do not believe this incident was gang-related and I would like to reassure the public that there is no reason for any undue concern.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances, including the motive behind the attack.”

Officers from both the BTP and Essex Police attended the station.

The incident was reported to BTP at 5.51am.

Anyone with any information which they believe could assist the investigation is asked to contact BTP on 0800 40 50 40, quoting incident reference 48 of 24/01/14