A FATHER has spoken of his concern over the use of air rifles after his son was shot by an air weapon as he walked home.Ian Edwards, of Roman Way, Haverhill said he was shocked and concerned after his 16-year-old son, Thomas, came home with a bleeding wound under his arm, which he believed was caused by a pellet.

A FATHER has spoken of his concern over the use of air rifles after his son was shot by an air weapon as he walked home.

Ian Edwards, of Roman Way, Haverhill said he was shocked and concerned after his 16-year-old son, Thomas, came home with a bleeding wound under his arm, which he believed was caused by a pellet.

“I was concerned that somebody was sitting in their bedroom taking pot-shots at people - air rifles can be quite dangerous if they hit the eye or temple.

“I think they should be restricted - you should not be able to use them in your back garden.

“I would like to think that parents of children under the age of 18 would keep them locked up and only allow them to be used in the right place.”

Police said the teenager received a 5mm cut after he was hit as he walked through Chalkstone Way in Haverhill at about 5pm on Wednesday

“Thomas had been walking home through an alleyway when he felt something hit his arm, he turned around and saw someone behind him but he was far away and had nothing in his hands,” added Mr Edwards.

“Then he came home and told us something hit him on the shoulder and that it was hurting - when we had a look he had an open wound there. He was wearing a t-shirt and a sweatshirt and it still cut him.

“Even if it was just children they need to be warned that these things have consequences.

“Had it been six inches higher it could have got him in the eye or temple and then it could have been very dangerous.”

Anyone with information about the incident should call Pc James McNee at Haverhill Police on 01284 774100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.