A SHOPKEEPER was mystified yesterday after someone fired an airgun pellet through a £3,000 historic curved window at his premises.

Allen Jenkins said someone caused slight damage a few weeks ago by firing a pellet at another window at his decor and carpet shop in Montalbo Road, Barnard Castle.

He said: "I have to wonder if someone is deliberately trying to harm my business, but as far as I know I don't have an enemy in the world. It is a total mystery."

In the first attack, a large window was chipped by a pellet. But in the second incident, discovered early yesterday, the pellet travelled through the 8ft by 4ft window.

Mr Jenkins said: "This curved window has been in the shop for many decades, possibly more than 100 years. I'll try to find out if it can be repaired, but if not it ,will be very costly to have one like it made and fitted.

"I estimate it will cost at least £3,000. I only hope the culprit is found and can be made to pay for the replacement. The whole thing is baffling me."

Sergeant Ed Turner, of Barnard Castle police, said: "We would like to hear if anyone saw someone with an airgun in this part of the town. The culprit may have been walking down the road or passing in a car.

"We have no way of knowing as yet if the two attacks were coincidence or if someone is deliberately aiming at Mr Jenkins' shop. We would welcome any information about it."

Witnesses can call 0845-60-60-365.