Police in Shifnal are appealing for information after a teenage boy was struck with a pellet believed to have been fired from an air or BB gun.
The victim, who is in his early teens, was walking along Wheatfield Drive with his sister when the incident happened at about 4.45pm on Tuesday.
A dark blue pick-up truck, possibly a Ford Ranger Thunder, turned into the road and the driver beeped the horn.
When the victim turned to look, he was hit in the face by a ball bearing-style pellet, which caused pain and grazing near his mouth.
Fortunately the teenager did not need hospital treatment but was left shaken by the incident. The 4×4 drove away at speed following the incident.
PC Steve Hibbs, of Shifnal Police, said firing a BB gun at another person was not only considered anti-social behaviour, but would be treated as assault if the person were struck by a pellet.
“If a pellet from a BB or airgun hits somebody in the eye then it can cause significant damage,” he said. “Such items are not toys and can also cause serious harm if fired at a young child. I would urge anyone who might know the identity of the driver and any passengers in this vehicle or who saw the incident happen to please contact Shifnal Police on 0300 333 3000.
“I am also keen to hear from anyone else who might have seen this vehicle being driven in the town that afternoon and evening.” It is an offence for anyone to fire an air weapon beyond the boundary of their premises without the consent from the person whose land is being fired over or into.
“The people in this car have been incredibly reckless and it is very fortunate that the victim did not suffer a serious injury.”
Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, where a reward is sometimes offered.
