No-one was injured, but a number of the bullets hit nearby houses.

The incident in the St Anns area on Tuesday is the third shooting in the city in as many weeks.

Residents claim police are not doing enough to clamp down on gun crime.

Frightened families

Detectives believe the incident started when a black car drew up near three men walking along the street.

Several shots were fired at the men on the pavement.

They fired back and some of the shots hit neighbouring houses.

One resident said: "It is very frightening if you live nearby."

Another woman who asked not to be named, said: "It is awful, especially with a school nearby. It is worrying."

"The police need to do more and I want to know when it is going to stop."

Police have appealed for witnesses.