Teenager shot in the face with an air weapon in Houghton
Police are appealing for the public's help after a 15-year-old boy was injured by a pellet from an air weapon. The incident happened on Saturday, March 19, at around 10.50pm near to Herrington Burn in Houghton. The boy was taken to hospital to have the pellet removed from his face. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident. Officers believe there were two other males in the area at the time and are keen to identify them. Detective Inspector Paul Stewart said: "A 15-year-old boy has suffered significant injuries as a result of this incident and unfortunately, it does show the dangerous nature of air weapons and the damage they can cause. They should not be used as toys or for any other reason than the purpose for which they are intended. "A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and our enquiries are continuing. We believe there were two other males in the area at the time and are keen to identify them and speak to them about this incident. If anyone knows who they are we would ask them to please get in contact with us." Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1260 190316 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. The incident happened on Saturday, March 19, at around 10.50pm near to Herrington Burn in Houghton. The boy was taken to hospital to have the pellet removed from his face. A 16-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident. Officers believe there were two other males in the area at the time and are keen to identify them. Detective Inspector Paul Stewart said: "A 15-year-old boy has suffered significant injuries as a result of this incident and unfortunately, it does show the dangerous nature of air weapons and the damage they can cause. They should not be used as toys or for any other reason than the purpose for which they are intended. "A 16-year-old boy has been arrested and our enquiries are continuing. We believe there were two other males in the area at the time and are keen to identify them and speak to them about this incident. If anyone knows who they are we would ask them to please get in contact with us." Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1260 190316 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.