Airgun sniper shoots girl, 13 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Airgun sniper shoots girl, 13

A GIRL was shot with an airgun as she walked to school. The attack happened at 8.10am yesterday in St Michael's Avenue, Highworth close to the junction with Lechlade Road.

The 13-year-old who attends nearby Highworth Warneford School was treated at a doctor's surgery for a small cut and swelling to her leg.

Sgt Max Sharman, of Highworth police said: "We are very disturbed it seems to have been a random attack.

"We are treating the matter very seriously and house-to-house enquiries are being conducted.

"If we find out who is responsible we will seek to put them up before a court."

Sgt Sharman said airgun-toting youths have been a problem in the past.

"There have been cases where stray airgun pellets have breached garden boundaries but these have not been deliberate attempts to injure," he said.

"It would appear in this case that the offender deliberately aimed at the girl."

Headteacher John Saunders said: "It is absolutely disgusting what happened.

"It was an extremely upsetting and unsettling experience for the girl.

"She came into school upset and we called her parents who picked her up."

Mr Saunders added: "We always advise our pupils to be careful on their way to and from school," he added.

Pat Willis, the chairman of Highworth and District Neighbourhood Watch Association, said: "I have told our 700 members to keep an eye out for anyone with airguns.

"It is thought the weapon may have been fired from either a car or one of the nearby flats."

Anyone with information should call Highworth police on 01793 528111.