Detectives today revealed the key to solving an alleged murder plot during which a shot was fired in Telford lies within the British Pakistani community.

It comes as detectives said the victim, a man in his early 30s, who was shot at outside his home in Doddington, Hollinswood, was of Pakistani origin.

However, investigating officers claimed it was not a racially motivated attack.

They have also revealed that a bullet was recovered from a brick of the house in Doddington after it missed the victim at 9.35pm on November 15.

Detectives said the reasons why the man, who escaped uninjured, was shot at and who the gunman was lay within the British Pakistani community both in Telford and surrounding areas including Staffordshire and the West Midlands.

Armed police swooped on the estate and sniffer dogs were used to scour the area.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Williamson, senior investigating officer, said it was not a “racist or random incident” but believed there was a specific motive.

He added: “The intended victim in this incident is of Pakistani origin and the intelligence we have received so far leads us to believe that the answer to the question of who fired the shot that night lies within the British Pakistani community.”

He also urged an anonymous caller who contacted police with information shortly after the incident to get in touch and also a man and woman seen walking a small dog, and a jogger who passed the scene to call CID on 0300 333 3000.

• Three men have been arrested on conspiracy to commit murder but have since been released without charge.