The main witness in a murder trial was himself responsible for a triple shooting at a house party, it was claimed in court.

Witness Damon Alvin has spent the past week giving evidence at the trial of Ricky Percival, 27, who is accused of shooting Dean Boshell in an execution-style murder at Manchester Drive allotments, Leigh, in February, 2001.

Mr Alvin had previously said he saw Percival had shot Mr Boshell, who grew up in Basildon, from behind.

He said Percival, of Cricketfield Grove, Leigh, had also been responsible for shooting members of the Tretton family at Locksley Close, Southend, in June, 1999, as part of a long-running feud.

Defending Percival, Andrew Bright QC said to Mr Alvin: "You were involved in the Tretton shooting, but with two other men. There were three people in the shooting, two men that went into the house and a third who was a getaway driver. The shooting happened when Ricky Percival was not there."

Mr Alvin, 33, formerly of Rushbottom Lane, Benfleet, denied this.

He said Percival had kicked the door of the house in and then fired off three shots from a pump action shotgun, seriously injuring three people.

Mr Alvin said he never entered the house and Percival went in alone.

But Mr Bright told the court two witnesses had given accounts of the shooting to the police and both said they had seen two people enter the house.

Percival also denies perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to steal, attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, robbery and possession of a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

Katy Griffiths, 25, of the Fairway, Leigh, and Kevin Walsh, 34, of Shannon Close, Leigh, are also accused of perverting the course of justice.

The trial continues.