Pub shooting victim Deena Contreras could carry the bullet that nearly killed her for the rest of her life, it was revealed today.

As the police hunt continues for the man being linked to the incident at the Peel Park Hotel in Bradford on Sunday, Deena's brother-in-law Colin Doran said she was lucky to be alive.

He was speaking after the police issued a new photograph of Stephen Flaherty, the man they want to question about the shooting.

Mr Doran said: "We thought we were going to lose her - we were all so frightened.

"She was shot from the front and the bullet passed through her left lung and lodged in some muscle near her spine.

"There wasn't a lot of blood outside but she lost six pints internally and they carried out emergency surgery.

"The surgeons have said there is no problem with the bullet where it is and they won't take it out unless she wants them to.

"She's a real fighter and we are hoping she might be home at the weekend. She's doing really well and they are very pleased with her. She's in very high spirits and she's been inundated with visitors - and there are so many flowers in her room."

Deena, 33, whose parents Brian and Ann Mitchell run the Peel Park Hotel in Otley Road, Undercliffe, was in the bar when the incident happened.

Mr Doran, a firefighter based at Idle fire station, was upstairs with his wife, Deena's twin sister Deborah, and Mrs Mitchell.

"The lass behind the bar ran up to say Deena had been shot and we all ran down," Mr Doran said.

"She was lying on the floor and a chap was cradling her head who said he was an ex-Army medic.

"I have a First Aid course and there was another customer who'd done First Aid as well so we did the best we could until the ambulance arrived."

Deena was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary and was taken to the Intensive Care Unit after surgery before being transferred to a ward.

Meanwhile, police today issued a new picture of Flaherty, 39, who six months ago failed to return to Wealstun open prison, Wetherby, where he is serving a six year sentence for assault.

It is believed an argument took place at the Peel Park Hotel between two men before Mrs Contreras was shot.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hyde, who is leading the investigation, has urged Mr Flaherty or anyone with information to get in touch.

He said: "The early picture we originally released was an old one. This is a very recent photograph.

"My appeal is for anyone with information to get in touch. I am also appealing to members of Mr Flaherty's family, who may be withholding information through misplaced loyalty, to get in touch."

Mrs Contreras is satisfactory at Bradford Royal Infirmary after undergoing emergency surgery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bradford Central CID on (01274) 376480 or 373132.

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