People living in a quiet Suffolk village have been left shocked after a 27-year-old man was shot in the chest.
Police descended on a field near Woolpit Business Park shortly before midnight on Sunday following reports a man had suffered gunshot wounds.
When officers arrived they discovered a 27-year-old man had been shot in the chest.
The victim was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge following the incident.
A police spokesman said his injuries are not considered to be life-threatening.
Two people arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident are believed to have been shooting rabbits nearby.
MORE: Man shot in the chest near Suffolk business park
Community leaders representing Woolpit have expressed their shock over the incident, which police were called to at approximately 11.55pm on Saturday, May 9.
Woolpit parish council chairman John Guyler said: “It’s something you don’t normally expect to find around here.
“It’s obviously a shock to hear about a gun incident in Woolpit.
“I hope the person who has been injured is not too badly hurt and gets better quickly.”
Jane Storey, who represents the village at Suffolk County Council, said: “Obviously it’s not the sort of thing we expect to happen in Woolpit.
“It’s a very quiet village and most of us were tucked up in bed at that time of night.
“It is a great shame. I’m glad his injuries aren’t life-threatening and we find out what exactly happened.”
Sarah Mansel, Green councillor for Woolpit at Mid Suffolk District Council, added: “I’m shocked that this incident has happened in a rural community and my thoughts are with the victim and his family at this time.”
A police cordon remained in place until Sunday afternoon while an investigation was carried out at the scene, off Windmill Avenue.
A 56-year-old man from Woolpit and a 42-year-old man from Stowmarket were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
It is believed the men arrested in connection with the incident were shooting rabbits on farmland nearby, a police spokesman said.
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Suffolk Constabulary on 101 quoting crime reference number 37/25649/20.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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