A 15-year-old boy has been shot dead while walking along a street.

Police today said the boy was shot in the chest as he walked with friends last night.

He was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.

Armed officers were sent to the scene shortly after the shooting, around 9.15pm.

A helicopter and dog teams also joined the massive hunt for the boy's killers.

The search was still going on today.

The scene of the fatal shooting, in the Sunnyhill area of Derby, was sealed off while forensic teams investigated.

Police officers stood guard at the cordon which blocked off Caxton Street, where the boy was shot.

A white tent was erected at the scene of the murder.

Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman said today: "This is a terrible tragedy in which a young teenager has lost his life.

"The public can rest assured that we are determined to bring the offenders to justice. The victim's immediate family have been informed of his death and are being supported by officers.

"Our thoughts are with them at this difficult and distressing time.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed the shooting, or anyone with information about the incident, to come forward."

James Barker, 60, lives near the shooting scene in Caxton Street.

He said: "When I came home from work this morning, there was a police car blocking every entrance to the park.

"There is also a forensic tent by the park gates."

He said Sunnyhill Community Centre was just inside the park gates, and there was also a new play area for children nearby.

Simon Gilly, who works at a local garage, said the shooting could be linked to gang rivalry. He said groups calling themselves A1, BCT and 38 Estate were well-known to local people.