Schoolboy, 11, shot in head with ‘air weapon’ after ‘kicking ball over fence’ as cops launch urgent hunt for suspect

A SCHOOLBOY was raced to hospital with a fractured skull after being shot in the head with an ‘air weapon’.

The victim, 11, was playing football with his pals when the terrifying incident unfolded on Roadtrain Avenue in Leyland, Lancashire on Monday.

As he climbed over a fence to retrieve his ball, the youngster was struck down by a metal pellet at around 7.20pm.

Emergency services raced him to Alder Hey hospital with a fractured skull for surgery.

It is believed he was shot by an air weapon.

A Lancashire Police spokesperson confirmed the young boy is now recovering in hospital.

Det Con Paul Brown, of South CID, said: “This incident has left a young boy with some really significant injuries, and it is fortunate he was not more seriously hurt or even killed.

“We are carrying out a number of enquiries to try and identify the person or persons responsible and I would appeal to anyone who saw what happened, has any dashcam or Ring doorbell footage, or who has any information which could assist our investigation to get in touch.

“I’m sure someone in the local community knows who is responsible for what’s happened to this young boy and I would urge them to come and speak to us.

“You can call us on 101 quoting log 1410 of May 20 or alternatively you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and in confidence on 0800 555 111.”