POLICE are investigating after a woman was shot with an air gun while walking in Haydon Bridge.

The woman was walking along Ratcliffe Road, heading towards Innerhaugh Mews, at 5pm on Thursday, August 27, when she felt a sharp pain in her leg.

She realised she’d been hit by a pellet after retrieving it from the ground. She was left with bruising on her thigh.

“The woman is not seriously hurt, but she is understandably shocked that she was shot at while walking down the street,” said West Tynedale Neighbourhood Inspector, Kevin Oates.

“It may have been a stray shot from someone who was using the gun on land nearby, but we have carried out checks at nearby addresses to make sure nobody was shooting from a window.”

He added that, although there are no licences required to possess an air rifle, it is an offence to carry one in a public place and there are restrictions on where they can legally be used.

Insp. Oates added: “This is an isolated incident, but we want to ensure there are no more by highlighting it and making sure those responsible know that it is unacceptable.”

Anyone with information on the incident is being asked to contact PC Dan Forshaw at Hexham Police Station on 101 ext 69191.