The shooting likely happened outside this house on Madiera Drive NE. (CBC)

Police have called in the gang unit to help investigate a northeast shooting that left a man in his mid-20s recovering in a Calgary hospital from gunshot wounds.

The shooting likely happened outside a residence in the 800 block of Madiera Drive NE just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, said Duty Insp. Chris Butler.

"The car out in front of the residence did receive gunfire and so there is the possibility that the individual was inside the car in front of the residence when the shooting occurred, and then after that shooting, either somehow managed to make his way into the house or was assisted into the house by other occupants of the residence."

Butler said the man is out of surgery and is listed in serious but stable condition.

The gang unit has been called in to help with the investigation "as a precaution," said Butler.

"We don't have anything concrete at this time indicating it was a gang shooting, other than that the manner in which this occurred is consistent with those types of shootings we have had in the past."

Rose Jordan, who lives nearby, was walking her dog Buddy on Sunday night and heard a shot.

"I quickly went back home again," she said. "They have gangs here unfortunately. So you have to keep your door locked and just watch what you are doing, I guess."

Neighbour Dolly Crabb said she was watching TV that night with the blinds closed and wasn't aware of the shooting until police came to her door asking if she heard or saw anything.

"It's very scary. What is this city coming to?" said Crabb.