Four BB gun incidents in two hours prompts police warning

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THE POLICE have expressed concerns for public safety after four incidents today (Tuesday) in which BB (ball bearing) guns were used across North Worcestershire.

After the first at 5.30pm where a man was shot in Bromsgrove Street, Kidderminster, two more took place in Bromsgrove - one at 6.05pm and one at 7.09pm in Humphrey Avenue, Charford, Bromsgrove.

Luckily, no one was hurt in those attacks.

In between those, at 6.20pm, a man received minor injuries from pellets in Redditch after one was fired in Oak Tree Avenue.

He was taken to hospital for treatment.

A 17-year-old girl and a 21-year-old man have been arrested on suspicion of wounding in connection with that incident.

Investigating officers say they did not believe the incidents in the three towns were linked and Insp Kevin Lane said the 'highly unusual' number of them may have be caused by young people 'playing' with BB guns or air rifles and being unaware of the consequences.

"No weapon should ever be regarded as a toy as it has the capacity to kill or seriously injure someone.

"We want to make it very clear that police will take robust action against anyone caught firing such weapons indiscriminately or at the public.

"Equally, I am very concerned that the people responsible for these incidents do not appreciate the gravity of the situation they are placing themselves in."

He said armed response officers confronted with a person carrying a weapon - even an air rifle or BB gun - had to treat it as they would any other firearms incident.

"They must assume that it is a loaded weapon presenting a threat to the public and themselves and will take action accordingly," he added.

He said he did not want any officers or members of the public to be placed in danger or suffer because of incidents with BB guns or air rifles.

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. .

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