Boy hit on leg by BB gun 'sniper'

The lads, aged 11, were attacked as they walked near the Gallops. One was hit on the back of his leg.

The shaken youngsters told teachers what had happened when they arrived at Vale First and Middle School, and police were called.

Parents have this week, National Walk to School week, reacted with shock to the news and some have criticised the school for the delay in letting them know.

Wendy O'Connell, whose son, Jack, is eight, said: "It is terrible. I walk to school with Jack and often take my dog across The Gallops. It is frightening to think this has happened. The school has not told anyone yet, which I do not think is right. This is really worrying and will definitely make me think twice about walking around that area."

Cathy Redshaw also has a son and daughter at the school. She said: "I had not heard about this. We always walk across this area and this is quite scary. Parents should be made aware of what has happened as so many children walk across this area. It will make me much more vigilant."

It is not known what age the snipers were. They could have been hiding in bushes and trees that line the well-known beauty area, which many pupils walk across every day.

Vale First and Middle School headteacher Anthony Lovatt was unavailable for comment. His secretary, Donna Churchill, said: "The school is preparing a letter to send to parents. This is not a reactive letter. It is a preventative letter that talks generally about our support for Walk to School week and for children to lead healthier lives by walking.

"It also points out that if children do walk to school we always advise that they never walk alone, and that they cross at safe crossing points and we give general advice. The letter does mention this incident to make parents aware of what happened."

Police spokeswoman Jill Pedersen said: "Our message to BB gun owners is that carrying them in public is illegal.

"These weapons are manufactured in such a way that even trained police firearms officers cannot always tell them apart from the real thing. This means that anyone carrying, or worse using, one of these weapons in public may find the police have been called and may even find themselves confronted by armed police officers."

Police are appealing for witnesses to the shooting, which happened at 8am on May 18.

TWO shops in Tarring Road were targeted by BB gun shooter overnight on Monday. Three shots were fired at each window.