POLICE are hunting for a mystery gunman after two people – one a seven-year-old girl – were hit with an air rifle in broad daylight.

An investigation has been launched after a 52-year-old man called police to say he had been struck by a pellet on the elbow while he was carrying out minor repair work to his car outside of his property last week.

Minutes later a second call was made by resident living close to the first victim, reporting his seven-year-old daughter had been hit in the stomach after being targeted.

Both the youngster and the unnamed adult were not seriously hurt but suffered bruising to the stomach and elbow respectively.

The incidents took place in Ullswater Close, in Spennymoor, County Durham, shortly after 5.30pm on Thursday, March 20.

Neither victim witnessed who fired the shots in the quiet cul-de-sac.

Residents today (Monday, March 25) spoke of their shock about the incident.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “I never saw anything but I know the people who were hurt. It is a bit worrying that something like this has happened.”

Another resident said: “I saw the police cars rush down the street but I didn’t know what it was about until afterwards. This is not the kind of thing you expect around here.

“I hope whoever did this is caught soon."

A third resident added: “I saw the police in the street on Thursday. I am glad no-one was seriously hurt.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Paul Ryans at the serious crime team in Newton Aycliffe on 101, ext 6732678 or the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.

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