Sniper with airgun hits pensioner
A woman member of a Shropshire bowls club was hit on the arm by an airgun pellet when a sniper fired several shots from woods near a county bowling green.
She was taking part in a bowls match at the Madeley Cricket and Bowls Club in Telford.
At least 30 people were on or around the bowling green at the club on Monday evening when the sniper struck.
The victim, who was in her 60s and a member of the Bridgnorth Bowling Club, is believed to be from the Halesowen area.
She suffered some discomfort from being struck, but the pellet did not penetrate her clothing and she had no direct injury.
Telford police have stepped up patrols around the cricket ground in Park Street and have appealed for witnesses.
The sniper fired several shots from nearby woods and pellets were heard hitting shed and club buildings before the pensioner was struck.
A Telford police spokesman said today that officers were called out at around 9pm. The area was searched but no-one was found.
David White, secretary of the Madeley Cricket Club, said that the bowling green was floodlit at the time as a match was taking place between the Madeley team and the Bridgnorth Bowling Club.
"There were bowlers and spectators around the green when the shots were fired," he said. "Fortunately this lady was not hurt, but we were very concerned about what happened and apologised to the visitors."
Mr White said that there was a public right of way through the wooded area close to the club.
Anyone with information can contact Constable Dave Lambert of Telford police on 08457 444 888.
