Teenagers 'shot' shop customers

STAFF at a village shop are demanding urgent action after being terrorised by a gang of teenagers who are alleged to have used a gun to shoot customers with pellets.

Customers were forced to run for cover as the youths opened fire with what is believed to have been a pellet gun on Monday night.

One customer, who did not want to be named said he had to confront the youths on Monday after his young son was hit in the head by three pellets from the weapon.

Staff at Martin's convenience store at Poplar Road, Great Cornard, say they are now becoming too afraid to go to work at night after being terrorised by the 15-strong gang for months. The group are said to be in their teens and believed to live in the local area.

Jackie White, deputy manager at the store said: "Monday's incident was very frightening. I know it was only a pellet gun, but somebody could have been seriously injured.

"At first we could hear something hitting the windows and then a customer came in and told us they were firing pellets, she was very afraid because she had left her dog outside, but she didn't want to go back out with the gang still hanging around.

"This gang has been terrorising us since last November and we have had to call the police several times. They are disruptive and verbally abusive to customers. They have been banned from the shop, but they keep coming in and having a go at us.

"The problems are driving customers away and making our jobs difficult.

The father of a boy who was allegedly hit by the pellets, said: "My son came home clutching his head and said he had been hit by three pellets. They had also been throwing stones at him. My son was hurt and really upset, I think this is just awful and something has got to be done. You don't expect to get shot at when going to a shop."

A Suffolk police spokesman said: "Police officers attended on Monday evening following a report of a group of approximately 10 youths causing a disturbance outside the newsagents.

"Upon police arrival no offences were seen to be committed, the youths were spoken to and details taken. We are very aware of the continuing problems in this area with youths congregating around the convenience store. Patrols have been increased in the area."

Humphrey Todd, vice-chairman of Great Cornard Parish Council said: "This is something that needs to be stamped out, we don't want the problem to escalate out of control. I urge the police to crackdown on this type of anti-social behaviour."

Anyone with information in relation to problems in Gt Cornard should call Pc Phil Peck at Sudbury police on 01284 774300 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.