A man had his finger shot off and shotgun pellets removed from his stomach after he was attacked in what is believed to be a case of mistaken identity.

The armed gang was still on the run last night as Sussex Police’s major crime unit hunted the men behind the “targeted attack”.

Three men arrived at the flat at Elmore Court in Elmore Road, Brighton, just after 11pm on Tuesday, calling out the name of a man who previously lived there.

The current 39-year-old tenant was then shot with a single blast from a shotgun through the letterbox.

Samantha Keywood, who lives in Elmore Road, opposite the block of flats, said she heard the gunshot.

She said: “I heard a bang at around 11pm. I didn’t see anyone and we stayed shut up inside because we’ve got kids in the house. The police were here within a few minutes.”

It is believed the attackers were targeting a 23-year-old man who left the flat a few weeks ago and The Argus understands he had been subjected to several previous attacks.

Residents in Elmore Road said they had been left terrified by the shooting.

Andy Winter, of Brighton Housing Trust, which owns the block, said: “Our tenant has been the victim of a case of mistaken identity.

“People came to the door calling a name. They were outside and he was saying ‘it’s not me’. Then they shot him. He has lost his baby finger and he is having pellets removed from his belly.

“It is really, really upsetting. Obviously we are incredibly upset that one of our tenants has been hurt. This is not a problem block and we are not aware of any other incidents at the property.”

The Argus understands the intended victim had been targeted on at least four previous occasions, including other incidents involving guns.

The young man is currently in hiding under the guard of police officers.

A neighbour at the flats said: “I am terrified. I can’t even tell my family or they won’t want me living here any more. It is the third time there has been a shooting. I’m scared to go out.”

Last May, the intended victim was beaten and stabbed in the head. Elise Murrell, another Elmore Road resident, said: “The police are here all the time. There are always disturbances.”

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz, the senior investigating officer, said: “We are now confident this was a targeted attack and several lines of enquiry are being actively pursued by officers involved in the investigation.”