School Pupils Hit with BB Pellets

Two primary school pupils have been shot by a youth who fired a pellet gun into school grounds in York.

The gun was fired through a fence and into the playground.
Police said the weapon had been fired through a fence and into the playground of St Lawrence's Primary School, hitting the nine-year-old boys.

One of the boys was hit on the elbow, the second on a shin. Neither child was seriously hurt.

One of the boys said: "I have been in a lot of pain... I was afraid he would point it [the gun] at my head."

The boy described seeing the suspect walk past the school before the gun was fired, hitting him and his friend.

The suspect is described as having brown hair with blond highlights. He was wearing a grey Lacoste jacket with a burgundy or red T-shirt and black tracksuit bottoms.

North Yorkshire Police has appealed for witnesses to the incident.

Acting Insp Shaun Sutcliffe said: "This was an act of utter stupidity, causing distress and alarm to young children.

"In this instance, armed officers were not deployed, however, we would warn people who may own air and replica weapons that incidents such as this could turn far more serious, and you could find yourself facing officers with real guns, the consequences of such an incident do not bear thinking about.

"Officers are currently carrying out door to door enquiries in the area."

Head teacher Jane Nellar said the school already had security measures in place, but in light of the incident would be reviewing their arrangements.

She said: "I'm shocked that my children, despite all the security we have put in place, have been put at risk like this."

A City of York Council spokeswoman said the school was operating as normal.

With thanks to BBC News for this news item: bbc.co.uk/news