12-year-old boy shot with an air rifle when trying to retrieve his football

A 12-year-old boy is going to need surgery after he was shot in the knee with an air rifle.

The boy had apparently been playing football when his ball ended up on a flat roof nearby.

As he went to retrieve the ball, he was shot at a number of times before he was hit.

He was rushed to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

Police have launched an investigation and say they are currently trawling through CCTV footage.

Police are particularly keen to hear any information about a man who was seen in the area who is described as being white, of average build with glasses and with a grey beard and black hair tied back in a ponytail.

Detective Inspector Andrew Fallows from GMP’s Bolton borough said: “This was an appalling assault on a young boy who was just playing football in the street.

“How someone could comprehend shooting at a child is beyond me, this is any parent’s worst nightmare when sending their kids out to play.

“Thankfully his injuries aren’t life threatening, but he will require surgery and his recovery is not going to be short.

“We are determined to find whoever decided using an air gun was appropriate action to take on a boy retrieving his football.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111