A YOUNG father-of-two gunned down on his own doorstep earlier this month has been released from hospital.

James Banks, 25, has been allowed home after being shot in the stomach at point-blank range. Two men, one brandishing a handgun, confronted Mr Banks when he opened the door of his home in Coller Crescent, Darenth, near Dartford, on May 6.

His girlfriend, Ragan Simpson, told the Dartford Messenger it was frustrating not knowing why he had been shot.

She said: "He is extremely tired and still very much in pain but the wounds are healing well. We are all looking out for each other and people have been visiting us all the time."

Detectives believe the gunmen fled in a J-registration Ford Sierra Sapphire with the letters ACE in its number plate. The vehicle was seen making off towards Langlands Drive.

Anyone with information on the shooting, should call Dartford police station on 01322 283154 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.