Oswestry boy struck by air gun pellet

A boy escaped serious injury after being struck by a pellet fired from an air weapon in Oswestry.

Councillors have voiced their concerns after the incident which happened on College Road on Wednesday near Oswestry leisure centre.

Police today said they believed the weapon was a BB gun, normally used for bird hunting, and have appealed for witnesses.

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: "Police received a report at about 5.20pm on Wednesday when a young boy had been struck by an object fired from a BB gun. Officers are investigating the incident which happened on College Road.The boy was not seriously hurt but was upset."

Oswestry police inspector Jim Stafford said: "No one should be carrying anything that looks like a firearm in a public place. It can have very serious repercussions."

Councillor Bill Benyon said: "I know Oswestry has some anti-social behaviour but this is completely new."

Councillor Martin Bennett said: "I am sorry to hear about the incident."