Man shot in drive-by style shooting in Gateshead

Police are warning pranksters that using an air rifle in a public place is a serious criminal offence after an incident in Gateshead.

At 8.55am on Sunday two men, aged 23 and 22, were walking along Sunderland Road when they were shot at with what is believed to be an air rifle.

The shots had come from a small white vehicle as it travelled along Sunderland Road between Felling Metro Station and the carpet shop at the bottom of Felling Gate.

The 23-year-old victim was left with painful injuries to his left arm but it is not expected to cause long-term damage. His friend received serious but non-life threatening injuries to his hand.

Neither of the victims saw the offenders but a criminal investigation has been launched by officers in Gateshead.

Police are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward and warned offenders that using an air rifle in a public place is illegal.

Inspector Jon Commons said: " These kind of pranks will not be tolerated and to use an air rifle in this manner is a serious criminal offence.

"We have launched a full investigation to identify the people responsible but we would ask those in the vehicle that night to come forward.

"Anyone else who thinks they know the occupant of the vehicle, or knows anyone who has been using an air rifle in this manner, are urged to get in touch.

"We want to make sure that nobody else is injured at the hands of these offenders and those responsible are held accountable for their actions."

If you have information that could assist officers then call 101 quoting log 364 19/08/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

You can also report online at www.northumbria.police.uk/contact or by emailing central.intelligence@northumbria.pnn.police.uk