Cyclist, 21, shot with ball bearing gun from passing car in Telford
A young woman was shot with a ball bearing gun from a passing car as she rode her bike in Telford, police revealed today.
People in Stirchley, where the shooting happened, have expressed their shock at the unprovoked attack.
And detectives say the 21-year-old woman was lucky not to have been seriously hurt.
The victim was cycling with her partner along Stirchley Lane when the attack happened.
A black Vauxhall Corsa came towards them and deliberately slowed down.
As the car drew level, the front seat passenger aimed and fired the ball bearing gun at the woman.
She was not seriously hurt but suffered a swelling and reddening to her arm.
Chris Ammonds, of West Mercia Police said: "This was an extremely foolhardy and dangerous act that could have caused serious injury if she had been hit in the face.
"We are appealing for witnesses or anyone who knows the identity of the culprit, to contact us."
Ball bearing guns, also known as BB guns, are air guns that fire small metal or plastic pellets.
They are classed in law as a replica firearm but can be bought legally by anyone aged 18 or over. The Antisocial Behaviour Act 2003 prohibits the possession of any firearm replicas in a public place without good cause.
The attack in Stirchley happened on Sunday at around 4.50pm.
Tony Campion, a retired resident of Stirchley Lane, said: "This attack is completely out of the blue, this area is very quiet.
"I am surprised that the cyclist was not seriously harmed. Fortunately the outcome could have been much worse."
A teenager, who asked not to be named but who lives on Stirchley Lane, said: "I have heard these guns are popular with people of our age, but have never seen anyone in the area using one. It is not the sort of place where something like this would happen."
Detectives are asking for information about the attack. Witnesses should contact Malinsgate police station by calling the non-emergency 101 number.
