AN Australian tourist was shot in the stomach by masked gunmen who forced their way into a family home.

The 60-year-old victim, whose name has not be released by police, was shot at his brother's home in Balfour Road, Southall, when five gunmen burst in through the back door shortly after 7.30pm on Saturday.

The gang threatened the family and demanded jewellery and cash before two of the men went upstairs. The other three attackers remained downstairs.

One of the gunmen downstairs got into an argument with a 79 year-old occupant of the house before hitting him in the face with a gun. The 60-year-old victim attempted to help his brother but was shot in the stomach.

The gang fled the house empty-handed. It is not known if they escaped by car or on foot.

Detective Inspector Harry Hennigan, who is leading the investigation, is urging any witnesses to come forward.

He told the Times: "We are keen to trace the occupants of a silver or light-coloured small car, believed to be a new Renault Clio, which drove away at speed along Johnson Street.

"This is a shocking crime and the family are very disturbed. We are keeping an open mind with regards to motive but we are now treating this as attempted murder.

"We are appealing for witnesses around the Balfour Road area to call us."

The tourist, who had only been in the UK for a few weeks, is currently recovering at Ealing Hospital in a stable condition following an operation.

The attackers are all described as black and in their early teens or 20s.

Anyone with information should call the Shootings Team on 020 8217 7370 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111