A 56-year-old man suffered serious injuries yesterday after he was shot several times in a daylight attack.

Chief Inspector Robert Cardwell said the victim was in a car at the dock at Darrell’s Wharf in Warwick and got out to stretch his legs just after 7.30pm.

He was approached by two men on a black motorcycle, who opened fire on the man.

Mr Cardwell said the rider was wearing dark clothing and the passenger was wearing a light blue jacket.

The attackers fled the area on the motorbike and headed west on Harbour Road.

A police spokesman said last night that a witness who had heard “a loud popping sound” called 911 and attempted to stop passing motorists, one of whom pulled over and provided assistance.

Mr Cardwell said it was still too early to say if it was a targeted attack, but that witnesses had already stepped forward to help police and that CCTV footage in the area would be examined.

The victim was rushed to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital and he was said to be “stable” in the intensive care unit last night.

Police were alerted to the incident by a passer-by, who also flagged down a motorist who stopped to help.

People in the area said it sounded like about eight shots were fired.

Police cordoned off the scene as the investigation into the incident continued and appealed for anyone with information to come forward and to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.