A WOMAN was shot with an air rifle as she walked down a Teesside street on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident happened as the 58-year-old woman, who does not want to be identified, walked down Bollington Road at Easterside, Middlesbrough.

She said she felt a sharp pain and added: "I heard a crack and just felt the sting. It was just like being twanged with an elastic band.

"Because it was a nice day, I was walking with my sleeves rolled up. The pellet went through a soft piece of skin near my wrist and came out through the other side."

The pellet passed through her skin, leaving a wound that needed treating at Middlesbrough General Hospital. The woman will be having a check up with her GP later this week.

Police later recovered the pellet and a spokesman for Cleveland Police said: "This was a nasty and stupid attack which could have had more serious consequences. Air rifles are not toys and can cause horrendous injuries."

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the area, particularly near the junction with Bexley Close are around 1pm to come forward in a bid to trace the gunman.

Anyone with information is asked to call Middlesbrough Police on (01642) 303126.