Police have issued a warning after a ten-year-old boy narrowly escaped being blinded after being shot in the face with a pellet.
The youngster was walking through a village park in Goldhanger, near Maldon, with four other friends just before 5pm on Thursday when the pellet struck him just below the eye, leaving a red mark.
The boy's grandmother, who was looking after him at the time of the attack, reported the incident to police straightaway.
The attack comes after an ongoing problem with airguns being fired at homes in Braintree and Witham and shots fired at a retired teacher and 12-year-old girl in Chelmsford.
Maldon police are now issuing a warning to people who use these type of weapons reminding them that the consequences in this case could have been a lot worse.
A spokesman said: "A lot of people think air weapons are not dangerous but obviously they are.
"Anything that's going to hit anybody near the eye could result in a very serious injury.
Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Steve Burton, of Maldon police, on 01621 852255.
Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003
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