Police investigation after child injured by air-gun in Newcastle City centre
Officers are appealing for witnesses after a child was injured in Newcastle City centre on Saturday.
Officers are appealing for witnesses after a child was injured in Newcastle City centre on Saturday.
At 3pm officers on patrol were alerted to an incident in the Clayton Street West area, where a boy had been injured after being struck by a suspected pellet from an air gun.
This was reportedly fired by someone on a moped.
The nine-year-old was taken to hospital to receive treatment for a minor injury and was discharged later that day.
Officers have now released a picture of two people on a moped who they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.
They are asking anyone who may know who they are or who saw a moped which matches that in the picture being ridden around the Clayton Street West area at the time of the incident to get in touch.
Inspector Steve Byrne, of Northumbria Police, said: “We want to make it clear that what happened is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
“The incident has left a young boy and has his parents understandably shaken.
"We are carrying out a thorough investigation to piece together exactly has happened and find anyone involved.”
He added: “We have now also released an image of two people on a moped who we would like to speak to in connecting with the incident.
“While we appreciate they are wearing helmets someone still may be able to identify them or the moped they are on. We would also encourage the individuals to come forward themselves.
“We would further ask anyone who saw the moped being ridden in the area at the time of the incident to get in touch.
“Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you feel it might be, could help the investigation.”