An Island-wide search has been launched for a gunman after a woman was shot in Eastchurch last night.

Armed police rushed to a house in Bramley Way at about 4.50pm after reports of a shooting.

Police cars have been stationed outside the house since then and a row of bungalows is taped off.

A woman in her 40s has been taken to Medway Maritime Hospital with a gunshot wound after being shot in the legs.

Officers will be closing other roads in the area to search for the gunman.

Forensic officers were also called to the house last night.

Paramedics were not able to enter the house until police had made the scene secure.

According to local residents, there is speculation a money lender turned up at the house to collect cash and a woman opened the door.

When she saw he had a shotgun she shut the door but he blasted a hole through the bottom of the door.

One resident said: "There is a great big hole in the bottom of the door.

"I think the police are going to be here for quite a while.

"I have never known police sat outside a house all night."

Locals have also said they heard helicopters searching last night.

The resident added: "There was lots of activity last night and there is still a police car outside.

"We are quite quiet really in this little road. We are all a bit surprised.

"It's terrifying, we are not used to anything like this."

• Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen someone acting suspiciously from about 4.30pm onwards to come forward. Phone01795 419162 if you have any information.