An urgent appeal has been made for O-positive blood donations for Trevor Underwood as he remains critically injured following an early-morning shooting.

Underwood, who is in his 50s, was rushed to the Sir Lester Bird Medical Centre after suffering a gunshot wound to the abdomen and later underwent several hours of emergency surgery.

A blood donation appeal circulating on Wednesday is now asking people with O-positive blood to come forward and donate on his behalf.

Potential donors are being asked to visit the hospital, formerly known as Mount St John’s Medical Centre, and indicate that their donation is for Underwood.

The appeal comes as family, friends and well-wishers rally behind Underwood while he continues receiving medical care.

Underwood was reportedly shot during the early hours of Tuesday. His vehicle was also struck by several bullets during the attack. Details surrounding where the shooting occurred and what led to the gunfire remain unclear.

Police have not yet issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Anyone who is eligible and has O-positive blood is being encouraged to donate as soon as possible.