THIS is the face of a man wanted in connection with an attempted doorstep execution.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses after two men knocked at the frontdoor of a house in Brampton Road, Barton, Oxford, on Tuesday armed with a gun.

When the 59-year-old householder opened the door, they asked for his name – then fired a shotgun cartridge, which narrowly missed him.

Detectives last night said many members of the public had come forward, but three calls in particular were proving helpful in their inquiries.

The e-fit description is of the shooter’s accomplice, pictured right, as the victim did not see the gunman.

Det Ch Insp Colin Paine said: “If you recognise the man in this image, please get in touch with me.

“Although we are treating this as a targeted incident, and offences involving a gun in the county are rare, we will not tolerate this type of behaviour and are doing everything we can to catch those responsible as soon as possible.

“We urge anyone with any information to contact us.”

The wanted man was described as Asian or mixed race, between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 7ins tall, aged between 20 and 25 years old, and of medium build.

He was wearing smart clothing, including black trousers a grey or blue v-neck jumper with a black T-shirt underneath and a black or grey blazer.

The two men knocked on the door in Brampton Road at around 10.40pm.

They asked the man to confirm his name, and as he pushed the door shut he knocked the gun, causing the shot to narrowly miss him, striking a wall inside the house instead.

Both men fled in a dark coloured car, believed to be a Volkswagen Polo or Golf.

The victim and his family are now under police protection outside the county.

Around 20 officers are now investigating the shooting.

Police believe the gunman and accomplice are local to Oxford. Neither the gun or getaway vehicle have been found.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

mwilkinson@oxfordmail.co.uk