A YOUNG woman was injured and witnesses were distressed and intimidated when youths wearing balaclavas came into the vicinity of Matravers School in Westbury with suspected BB guns, in what police describe as “outrageous” behaviour.
Just prior to 3.30pm on Wednesday 9th May police attended the report of a number of youths wearing balaclavas, in possession of suspected BB guns, in the vicinity of Matravers School.
Inspector Lindsey Winter, Sector Inspector, said, “A young female in the area of the school received a minor injury from being shot with what is believed to be a BB gun pellet.
“Two other young females were within close proximity to the firing and were terrified but fortunately not hurt. “There were also a large number of independent witnesses who were also intimidated by this outrageous behaviour.”
Officers made a number of enquiries and subsequently located one male youth, aged 16 years from Westbury, on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and violence. This male was arrested and taken to Melksham Police station for questioning.
Two other young males both local aged 15-years-old were subsequently positively identified as being involved.
Whilst further enquiries are made and witness statements obtained, the 16-year-old male has been released on bail with conditions to return to Melksham on the 8th June. Inspector Winter said, “Those persons directly involved with this incident were undoubtedly in fear, this imitation/BB gun is reported to have had the appearance similar to that of a real gun. “Anyone who was present during this incident who has still not been spoken to by the Police but needs to, is asked to contact the Duty Sgt at Warminster Police Station.” Heightened security concerns also put offenders at risk Police are warning that, with heightened security concerns, such behaviour also puts offenders at risk.
Inspector Lindsey Winter said, “Individuals who are out with this sort of BB gun in public not only put fear amongst those in our communities but they should also be very much aware of the risks they place themselves in. Police officers called to an incident involving guns of any sort will treat them very much as REAL guns and their response will be proportionate to the risk they encounter. “Armed Response Police Officers are trained to a high standard and are very much aware of the heightened concerns especially regarding the Olympics and potential terrorism incidents.”
