A suspected gunman was being treated in hospital last night for leg wounds inflicted by a police marksman after a chase along the M6.

A suspected gunman was being treated in hospital last night for leg wounds inflicted by a police marksman after a chase along the M6.

Police were waiting to question the man, who is from St Helens and in his 20s. The early-morning incident caused long delays, with the motorway shut until 2pm.

Greater Manchester Police said the man was shot when he threatened officers with what appeared to be a firearm, although a senior officer later refused to comment on whether it was a replica gun. An inquiry has been set up into the shooting and will be overseen by the Police Complaints Authority.

The incident began at 3.20am when the suspect was followed by Merseyside officers from the St Helens area on to the M6 towards Wigan. Officers from the Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside forces were involved in the chase. The suspect's car crashed into a safety barrier near junction 26 and the man got out.

The Assistant Chief Constable of Merseyside, Grahame Barker, said the man "threatened officers with what was believed to be a firearm.

"The man was challenged by officers to put the weapon down. Officers from Lancashire Constabulary contained the scene whilst armed response officers from Merseyside tried to negotiate.

"The incident escalated and officers, unable to persuade the man to put the weapon down and fearing for their safety, discharged their weapons."

The man's injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.