Teenage girl shot in leg with air rifle in 'random attack'

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was seriously injured after she was shot in Droylsden.

At around 7.15pm on Saturday 2 February, a 15-year-old girl was shot in the back of her leg as she was walking on Edge Lane near to the Halfway House pub.

The girl was went to hospital where she now requires surgery to remove pellets that police believe came from an air rifle.

Police have launched an investigation and are appealing for the public to get in touch.

Chief Inspector Mark Warner said: “My thoughts are with the girl after this shocking incident.

“On the information we have at the moment this would seem to have been a random attack with complete disregard for the potential consequences - the girl was just walking down the road when she was shot at, now she requires surgery.

“We would like to hear from anyone with any information that could help us, please get in touch as soon as possible. This could have been you, this could have been your child and we want to find those responsible.

“The police investigation will leave no stone unturned, we want to be able to give the girl and her family all the answers they deserve.

“There will be an increased police presence in the area while our investigation continues.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 9260, alternatively call 101 quoting the reference number 279 03/02/19 or call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111