Police and Crime Commissioner 'working hard' to address gun crime after Penhill shooting

A 17-year-old boy was rushed to hospital via air ambulance following the incident in the early hours of yesterday morning (24 April)

Author: Oliver MorganPublished 25th Apr 2023

Wiltshire's Police and Crime Commissioner says the force need to redouble their efforts to address why young people are using guns after yesterday's shooting in Swindon - where a 17-year-old boy had to be airlifted to hospital.

In the early hours of yesterday morning, the teenager was shot in Penhill, where he suffered 'potentially life changing injuries'.

Investigations by police are ongoing, but yesterday, they arrested two people in connection with the incident.

One of those was released without charge, whilst a 27-year-old man was kept in police custody, arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm.

Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson has spoken out, and has reinforced the Police call for calm.

Mr Wilkinson said: “This is the second incident involving a firearm in Swindon in the past month and whilst I understand the deep concern and shock local residents may be feeling, I would like to reassure them the Police do not assess that there is a threat to the wider public.

“As this investigation continues, I will be briefed by the Chief Constable but while that process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on this specific case.

“Clearly, my thoughts are with the injured boy and his family and it’s important that we keep them at the forefront of our minds.

“However, we must also be aware that this is the second incident involving firearms in a short space of time and we need to redouble our efforts to address the underlying cause of the problem before it gets out of hand.

“My office is working hard to address the issues which are at the centre of serious youth violence and gun crime through working with Swindon Borough Council to create a successful youth strategy and by helping their bid to obtain over £560,000 in Safer Streets Funding to tackle violent crime”

“I have the upmost confidence that Wiltshire Police will work tirelessly to catch those involved in this shooting and I’d appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward.”

If you do have any information, you can share it by either by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Read more: 27-year-old in custody after teenager shot in Swindon

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