Schoolboy, 11, shot in head with ‘air weapon’ after ‘kicking ball over fence’ as cops launch urgent hunt for suspect
A SCHOOLBOY was rushed to hospital with a fractured skull after being shot in the head with an 'air weapon'.
The 11-year-old had climbed over a fence to retrieve a football when he was struck down by a metal pellet.
Police say he is lucky to be alive.
The boy had been playing with his pals on Roadtrain Avenue in Leyland, Lancashire when the terrifying incident unfolded at around 7.20pm on Monday.
He was rushed to Alder Hey hospital for surgery after suffering a fractured skull.
It is believed he was shot by an air weapon.
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A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirmed the boy is now recovering in hospital.
Det Con Paul Brown, of South CID, said: “This incident has left a young boy with some really significant injuries, and it is fortunate he was not more seriously hurt or even killed.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and identify the person or persons responsible and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, has any dashcam or Ring doorbell footage, or who has any information which could assist our investigation to get in touch.
“I’m sure someone in the local community knows who is responsible for what’s happened to this young boy and I would urge them to come and speak to us.
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"You can call us on 101 quoting log 1410 of May 20 or alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111."