Tragic Incident as 11-Year-Old Boy Suffers Fractured Skull from Airgun Shot While Retrieving Football

In a deeply upsetting incident, an 11-year-old boy suffered a fractured skull after being shot with an airgun while attempting to retrieve his football.

The boy had been playing with friends in the back garden of a house on Roadtrain Avenue in Leyland at around 19:20 BST on Monday evening when the ball went over a fence.

The boy was climbing over the fence to retrieve his ball when he was shot in the head. Lancashire Police reported that he was immediately taken to Alder Hey Hospital, where he underwent surgery on his skull. Thankfully, despite the seriousness of the incident, he is now recovering and is expected to make a full recovery. This is according to a recent update from the telegraph.

Detective Inspector Paul Mulrooney expressed his gratitude to those who have provided information about the incident so far.

“We have now identified someone, and we will be speaking to that individual in due course. We are confident there is no wider risk to anyone in the community.”

DI Mulrooney also reassured the public that, despite the severity of the incident, the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening, and he is making a good recovery.

“Thankfully the victim’s injuries are not serious, and he is making a good recovery.” he said.

The incident has understandably shaken the local community, raising concerns about the safety of children and the presence of airguns. Airguns, while legal in the UK, can be extremely dangerous, and their misuse can lead to severe injuries or even fatalities. The police are urging parents and guardians to ensure that any airguns in their possession are stored safely and out of reach of children.

Neighbors and local residents have expressed their shock and sadness over the incident. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “It’s heartbreaking to think that something like this could happen in our quiet neighborhood. We are all praying for the boy’s swift recovery and hoping that the authorities take appropriate action.”

The police are continuing their investigation and are appealing to anyone with further information to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen any suspicious activity in the area around the time of the shooting.

The community remains hopeful for the boy’s full recovery and is rallying around his family during this difficult time. Local support groups and counseling services have been made available to help the boy’s friends and family cope with the trauma of the incident.

This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by airguns and the importance of responsible ownership. As the investigation continues, the community’s focus remains on supporting the young boy and ensuring such an incident does not happen again.