THREE people were hit by pellets from an air gun or pistol, including a teenage girl who had to go to hospital after being hit in the head.

Police are appealing for information following several reported incidents in Trimdon Avenue, in Middlesbrough, on Tuesday night.

The most serious of these involved a 15-year-old girl, who was shot in the head and had to go to James Cook Univeristy Hospital. 

A 56-year-old cyclist and 28-year-old runner also reported being hit by pellets. 

All of the incidents happened near to the Bluebell Medical Centre, where a group of youths are believed to have been gathered.

It was reported that a group of males and females, believed to be aged around 15-years-old, were gathered near to the medical centre around the time of the incidents.

The first incident occurred around 8.45pm, as a 56-year-old man cycled past the medical centre, and was hit on the shoulder with a pellet, leaving him with soreness.

A 28-year-old woman reported being hit with another pellet on the back at about 9pm, as she ran past the medical centre.

At about 9.15pm, a 15-year-old girl was shot in the back of the head with a pellet, which had to be removed at James Cook University Hospital.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth, from Middlesbrough CID, said: “We will not tolerate incidents like this, and have made steps this morning to try to identify those involved.
“It is very fortunate that someone was not more seriously injured. A 15-year-old girl was taken to hospital and had a pellet removed which was lodged in her head. She has been very lucky. If that pellet had hit her in the eye or soft tissue areas there could have been catastrophic injuries.

“I would urge members of the public who may have information about the person responsible to come forward and tell us who it is. You don’t need to give us your name, it can be anonymous.

“I would also appeal to parents whose children were out last night, please find out where they were and contact us if they have information. If your child was out and may have access to an air weapon, we would also urge you to get in touch.”

Officers are implementing a dispersal order in the area around Trimdon Avenue shops this evening, which will run until Friday night and can be extended if needed.

There will be a high visibility presence in the area around Trimdon Avenue tonight and into the coming days. Those found to be gathering will be dispersed and anyone who breaches the order can be arrested.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents last night are asked to contact Middlesbrough CID on 101, quoting incident number SE21025136 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.