APRIL
2012 - New Incidents
GCN compiles
an on-going list of incidents involving guns. Click on the
link to view the original article.
We know that our information
is incomplete. The number of incidents in our lists is between 10
and 15 percent of the total number of firearms offences recorded in Home
Office and Scottish Government figures, though we believe nearly all of
the most serious crimes are being included. Your help in collecting more
information would be greatly appreciated. If you have any information
about an incident please contact us by email
contact@gun-control-network.org.
Please see
our explanation of
why we highlight incidents involving air weapons.
Quick jump
to Injuries (England),
Incidents Causing Fear
(England), Other Incidents
(England),
Scotland,
Wales,
Incidents Involving Animals
ENGLAND
Deaths
Journal Live,
30
April 2012
Two people
were found dead at a golf club in County Durham. The victims,
believed to be a 34-year-old man and his 55-year-old mother, both died
of shotgun wounds to their heads.
The Sun,
28
April 2012
A man and
his daughter were found shot dead in West Bridgford, Nottingham.
Police found a gun at the scene along with the bodies of the victims,
aged 64 and 31.
BBC News,
25
April 2012
A
19-year-old was shot and killed outside a pub in Sherwood,
Nottingham. Police arrested two teenagers in connection with the murder.
BBC News, 8
April 2012
A man was
found dead after being shot in Southport, Merseyside. The
24-year-old victim was reportedly killed by a single gunshot wound to
the head. Two men were initially arrested on suspicion of their
involvement in the death.
Injuries
Click Liverpool,
29 April
2012
A 15-year-old was shot in the leg in a drive by shooting in Chinatown,
Liverpool. Two young boys riding a scrambler bike produced a gun and
fired into the crowd.
Liverpool Echo,
29 April
2012
A
21-year-old man was shot in the arm in a house in Stockbridge,
Liverpool. He was treated in hospital for shotgun
injuries.
Scarborough Evening News,
28 April
2012
A
36-year-old man was shot in the leg in Scarborough, North
Yorkshire. A man was arrested and charged with attempted murder as well
as possessing a shotgun with intent
to endanger life. A woman was also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy
to murder (Scarborough
Evening News, 24 April 2012).
Worthing Herald,
27 April
2012
A man was
shot in an incident at a shooting club in Findon, West Sussex.
The man reportedly injured his arm when a cartridge exploded in the
breech of the gun. He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Get Wokingham,
26 April
2012
A couple
were attacked by armed robbers at their pub in Ruscombe,
Wokingham. The victims fought back after being assaulted with a
stun gun and what is believed to
have been an imitation firearm, and
the perpetrators fled. Both victims were left with injuries to their
face and head.
BBC News,
24 April
2012
A
47-year-old man was shot with an air gun
in Virginia Water, Surrey. The victim reportedly sustained
minor injuries after being shot in the head and the back. Police
arrested two 17-year-old boys on suspicion of carrying out the shooting.
Hartlepool Mail,
24 April
2012
A
28-year-old man was shot in the leg with an air
rifle in Hartlepool, County Durham. The man reported
hearing several shots fired prior to being hit, and he required hospital
treatment after a pellet was lodged in his leg.
Liverpool Echo,
24 April
2012
A
34-year-old man was reportedly shot at in Toxteth, Liverpool and
taken to hospital for a foot injury. Police arrested a 21-year-old man
on suspicion of attempted murder. One day earlier, a 20-year-old man was
shot in the shoulder in nearby Everton, and three men were
injured in a neighbourhood shootingi in Fazakerley (Liverpool
Echo,
23 April
2012).
All victims were treated in hospital.
Your Local Guardian,
23 April
2012
A
49-year-old woman was shot with an air rifle
in Wallington, south London. She was reportedly standing at a
junction with her husband when she was shot from someone in a passing
vehicle. The victim was treated in hospital and released.
Birmingham Mail,
20 April
2012
A
49-year-old man was shot in the leg in a house in Alum Rock,
Birmingham. He was treated in hospital where his injuries were said to
be not life threatening.
Click Manchester,
20 April
2012
A
23-year-old man was shot in a pub in Salford, Manchester. He was
taken to hospital and treated for shotgun
injuries to the left leg.
Wirral News,
19 April
2012
A man was
shot in the back in Birkenhead, Merseyside. Police believe the
attack was targeted and said the victim survived the shooting after
receiving treatment in hospital.
Telegraph and Argus,
18 April
2012
A
27-year-old man was shot in West Bowling, West Yorkshire. He was
reportedly taken to hospital and described in a 'serious but stable
condition' after being shot with what police believe was a
shotgun. Police arrested a man on
suspicion of attempted murder (Telegraph
and Argus, 19 April 2012).
Huddersfield Daily Examiner,
18 April
2012
A police
officer was shot with an air rifle
in Elland, West Yorkshire. The officer suffered non-severe
injuries, and police charged a man with possessing an air weapon with
intent to cause fear of violence, resisting arrest and possessing
controlled drugs.
Journal Live,
18 April
2012
A
24-year-old man was shot with what is thought to be a handgun in
Walker, Newcastle. Police said they arrested two suspects following
the shooting, and the victim survived following treatment.
Nottingham Post,
17 April
2012
A
17-year-old boy and a 36-year-old woman were shot outside a hotel in
Nottingham before being treated in hospital. Police said they could
not confirm the weapon used, but received reports from hotel staff that
the victims were shot with an airgun.
ITV News,
16 April
2012
Two men
were shot in Gillingham, Kent. Police said a
shotgun was used in the attack, which
left the victims seriously hurt but able to be released from hospital
after treatment. Officers arrested four people but identified two
further suspects and did not recover the firearm used in the shooting.
Wirral News,
14 April
2012
A man was
shot with an airgun in the leg and
back as well as being clubbed with the weapon in Prenton,
Merseyside. Police said they arrested a man on suspicion of assault
following the incident. The victim was treated in hospital for his
injuries and released.
Nottingham Post,
13 April
2012
A man was
shot in the face with an air pistol
on the grounds of a church in Misterton, Nottinghamshire. The
victim will have to undergo surgery to remove a pellet that is lodged
behind his eye. Police recovered the weapon and arrested a suspect and
charged him with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an
indictable offence and wounding.
Click Liverpool,
13 April
2012
A
22-year-old man was shot in the leg in Everton, Merseyside. He
was taken to hospital and expected to recover following treatment.
BBC News,
5 April 2012
A man was
shot in the face with a paintball gun in Swindon. The gunman
fired from a passing car and struck the victim in the eyes.
Chorley Guardian,
4 April 2012
Two
victims were shot by air rifles in
apparently unconnected attacks in Chorley, Lancashire. An
8-year-old girl was shot in the chest by her 10-year-old brother, while
a man was also shot in the chest while mowing his lawn. Both victims had
pellets lodged in their chests and were taken to hospital for treatment.
Telegraph and Argus,
4 April 2012
A man was
shot in the legs in Bradford near a children's play area in what
police say was a targeted attack. The victim was hit by a
shotgun blast and treated for his
injuries, which were not thought to be life-threatening. The incident
occurred on the same day the Telegraph and Argus reported that
police responded to more than 100 firearms incidents in Bradford last
year.
Shields Gazette,
2 April 2012
Five
teenagers were arrested after allegedly carrying out two
airgun attacks in South Shields,
Tyne and Wear. A 15-year-old boy was shot with a pellet and treated in
hospital for a suspected broken finger. An hour after that attack, a
group of young people were threatened with an air rifle in an attempted
robbery. They reportedly fled and were shot, incurring minor injuries.
In addition to arresting the five teenagers on suspicion of robbery,
police recovered an air weapon.
The Star,
2 April 2012
Two men
armed with a knife and a gun attempted to rob a bank in Doncaster.
They were unable to gain access to the safe, but stabbed the bank
manager twice in the leg and stole his car. The victim was taken to
hospital but is expected to recover from the attack.
INCIDENTS CAUSING FEAR
Bolton News,
28 April
2012
Four men
raided a shop in Farnworth, Bolton, threatening staff with a gun.
The group escaped with cash and cigarettes.
Waltham Forest News,
28 April
2012
Gun shots
were fired at a home in Chingford, east London. Three shots were
fired and two caused damage to the house. Two men aged 18 and 19 were
arrested on suspicion of carrying firearms with intent.
Kidderminster Shuttle,
27 April
2012
Police
arrested a man in Kidderminster, Worcestershire after an incident
at a home. The man was charged with possessing an
imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence,
affray and assaulting a woman.
Huddersfield Daily Examiner,
27 April
2012
Two men
attempted to rob three students in Newsome, West Yorkshire. The
men threatened the students with a gun and CS gas, but after an
altercation the attackers fled empty-handed.
Hinckley Times,
26 April
2012
An
air rifle pellet was shot into the
passenger window of a train traveling through Hinckley,
Leicestershire. The window shattered but no one was hit by the damage.
Gazette Live,
26 April
2012
A man was
arrested after reportedly carrying a gun and making threats in North
Ormesby, Middlesborough. The suspect was arrested on suspicion of
threats to kill and harassment.
Northern Echo,
25 April
2012
A
suspected gunman who made domestic threats was hunted by police in
Middlesborough. The suspect reportedly made violent threats to
individuals he knew, prompting an armed police search.
Telegraph and Argus,
25 April
2012
A motorist
was threatened with a shotgun in
Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire. The perpetrator apparently rammed the
victim's car and then threatened him with the gun before driving away.
Wirral News,
25 April
2012
A gunman
allegedly burst into another man's home and threatened him with a
handgun in Birkenhead, Merseyside. A 23-year-old was arrested and
charged with possession of an imitation firearm
and assault.
Sunderland Echo,
24 April
2012
A masked
robber held up a shop in Fulwell, Sunderland. The man threatened
staff with a firearm and escaped with cash.
Salisbury Journal,
23 April
2012
Police
seized an air rifle after an
attempted robbery reportedly took place in Salisbury, Wiltshire.
Two men were arrested, one on suspicion of attempted robbery and the
other for perverting the course of justice.
Bourne Local,
22 April
2012
Three
armed robbers reportedly held up a post office in
Nottinghamshire. Police arrested three men and charged one
with possession of an imitation
firearm with intent to cause fear of
violence, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
BBC News,
20 April
2012
Four
robbers reportedly held up a G4S driver in Caterham, Surrey. They
threatened the driver with what was believed to be a firearm and escaped
with a cash box. Police later arrested four men.
Leigh Reporter,
19 April
2012
Two armed
men robbed a shop and struck a customer over the head with a gun in
Atherton, Manchester. The attackers threatened staff with the
firearm and stole cash and cigarettes.
ITV News,
19 April
2012
Three men
threatened staff with a firearm at a shop in Bury, Manchester.
The men stole cash and escaped.
The Sentinel,
19 April
2012
Armed
robbers threatened a garage worker with a gun in Longton,
Stoke-on-Trent. The men held what appeared to be a handgun to the
victim's head at the petrol station and stole cash.
Maidenhead Advertiser,
18 April
2012
Armed
robbers reportedly held up a group of 10 people in a home in
Maidenhead, Berkshire. The assailants were armed with what appeared
to be a gun and a crowbar, and apparently fled empty-handed after a
search of the property.
Click Manchester,
17 April
2012
Two men
robbed a shop in Manchester, threatening a customer and cashier
with a gun and pistol-whipping the customer. The men escaped with cash.
Coventry Telegraph,
17 April
2012
An armed
man attempted to rob a post office in Mancetter, Warwickshire.
After he reportedly threatened a member of staff with a gun, the worker
escaped to a back office. The gunman failed to gain entry to the secure
part of the post office and fled empty-handed.
Slough and South Bucks Observer,
13 April
2012
Two men
and a woman reportedly robbed a pair of teenagers in Slough,
Berkshire. The victims were threatened with what they believed to be a
gun, as the attackers stole a mobile phone and bicycle.
Crawley Observer,
11 April
2012
An armed
man held up staff at a pharmacy in Horley, Surrey. Police said
members of staff were threatened with what they believed to be a firearm
before the man stole medication and escaped.
The Star,
11 April
2012
An armed
robber raided a shop in Treeton, South Yorkshire. The man
reportedly threatened a staff member with a firearm and stole cash and
cigarettes. Police later arrested a suspect in connection to the case.
This is Nottingham,
10 April
2012
Two armed
robbers held up a betting shop in Hyson Green, Nottingham. The
men threatened staff with a knife and a suspected firearm, stealing cash
and escaping.
Derbyshire Times,
10 April
2012
An armed
robber raided a store in Chesterfield, Derbyshire. The man
threatened staff with what appeared to be a gun before stealing cash and
cigarettes.
The Argus,
10 April
2012
A family
in Brighton
were
assaulted in their home when a group of armed robbers forced their way
in. The assailants reportedly threatened a man with a gun in front of
young children, hitting a victim on the head and demanding cash and
drugs. Police arrested three men and charged them with aggravated
burglary, but no firearm was recovered.
ITV News,
7 April 2012
An armed
robber held up a shop in Leicester. Staff at the shop fended off
the attacker, who threatened them with a handgun and fired three times
with what turned out to be blank cartridges from an
imitation firearm. The perpetrator
eventually fled empty-handed.
Nottingham Post,
6 April 2012
A man
reportedly robbed a post office at gunpoint in Sneinton,
Nottingham. The assailant threatened staff with a firearm before
escaping with cash.
BBC News,
6 April 2012
A man held
up a shop in Leicester, threatening staff with a gun. After an
altercation the assailant reportedly fled empty-handed.
Ellesmere Port Pioneer,
5 April 2012
An armed
robbery reportedly took place in Chester. Police have identified
and are pursuing a 24-year-old suspect.
East London and West Essex Guardian,
5 April 2012
A man was
seen brandishing a gun in Walthamstow, east London. Police
reportedly investigated a flat he was seen entering but were unable to
locate the weapon.
Express and Star,
4 April 2012
Two men
armed with a shotgun held up a
jewellery shop in Dudley, West Midlands. The robbers threatened
staff with the firearm and escaped with a supply of jewellery valued at
£10k.
Salisbury Journal,
4 April 2012
Police
used a stun gun to detain a woman
brandishing a knife in Three Legged Cross, Dorset. Officers said
she did not threaten anyone and they did not bring criminal charges
against her, but deployed the taser gun to bring her down and take her
'to a place of safety'.
Dunstable Today,
3 April 2012
A
14-year-old was robbed at gunpoint in Houghton Regis,
Bedfordshire. Two men reportedly threatened him with what appeared to be
a handgun and stole his phone.
Buckingham Today,
2 April 2012
Police
responded to a suicide threat in Evenley, Northamptonshire. A man
with a firearms licence reportedly threatened to harm himself with a
shotgun, prompting an armed response
from officers. Police said no shots were fired in the incident.
Isle of Man,
2 April 2012
A man was
arrested after a firearms incident took place on a residential street on
the Isle of Man. The suspect was charged with possessing an
imitation firearm with intent to
cause fear of violence.
Times Series,
2 April 2012
A man
reportedly robbed a woman in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire before
holding up another person with what appeared to be a handgun. Police
arrested a 19-year-old and charged him with robbery and possession of a
firearm.
BBC News,
1 April 2012
A gun was
fired at a house in Poole, Dorset, leading to an arrest. Police
reportedly charged a suspected perpetrator with possessing a
shotgun with intent to endanger
life, possession of a shotgun when prohibited and possession of a
sawn-off shotgun.
Other Incidents
Leicester Mercury,
28 April 2012
Police
seized an imitation gun along with
ammunition, CS gas, a knife, drugs and cash in Leicester.
Officers arrested five men after they executed warrants and recovered
the items.
Liverpool Echo,
28 April 2012
Eight men
and a woman were arrested in a police operation in Kirkby,
Merseyside. The charges include conspiracy to possess firearms with
intent to endanger life and possession of drugs with intent to supply.
Chronicle Live,
27 April 2012
Police
recovered a shotgun and ammunition
from a house in Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle. Officers arrested a
22-year-old woman on suspicion of keeping the weapon illegally.
Hartlepool Mail,
27 April 2012
A vehicle
was hit by gunfire in Hartlepool, County Durham. Police believe a
pellet from an air gun struck the
vehicle, and a woman was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and
firing an air weapon in public.
Leicester Mercury,
25 April 2012
Two guns
were stolen from a home in Narborough, Leicestershire. The
firearms, a rifle and a shotgun,
reportedly belonged to a professional shooter whose home was burgled.
Heart Northamptonshire,
24 April 2012
Police
recovered a firearm as part of a series of drugs raids in
Northamptonshire. In addition to the gun, police seized three
vehicles and a supply of drugs, arresting 10 people.
This is Local London,
23 April 2012
A man was
remanded in custody after reportedly being found with a
sawn-off shotgun in Horton Kirkby,
Kent. The man was charged with affray, possession of a shotgun without a
certificate and possession of a shortened shotgun.
North Devon Journal, 19
April 2012
Residents
in a neighbourhood in Braunton, Devon were targeted on two
occasions by shooters with BB guns.
The perpetrators fired on the victims' homes, damaging windows in both
incidents.
Daily Echo, 19
April 2012
Police
said a window was broken due to an air rifle
being fired in Alresford, Essex. Six youths were reportedly seen
with the weapon but escaped police pursuit.
Chelmsford Weekly News, 12 April 2012
Police in
Colchester, Essex responded to reports of someone with a firearm
in a local park. Officers searched but were unable to locate the suspect
or the gun.
Wandsworth Guardian,
2 April 2012
Police
arrested seven men after recovering a loaded
sawn-off shotgun, ammunition and drugs in Brixton,
south London. The stash was found buried after a three-day search in an
area of wasteland near the railway line.
Your Local Guardian,
2 April 2012
Police
recovered a loaded gun from a vehicle in Earlsfield, southwest
London. Officers arrested a man and a woman in connection with the
weapon recovery.
BBC News,
1 April 2012
Police
responded to a call at a property in Newcastle and arrested a man
on suspicion of a firearms offence. The suspect was charged with
possession of a firearm and having a firearm in a public place.
SCOTLAND
Daily Record,
25 April
2012
A
20-year-old man was shot by someone with an air
gun in Banknock, near Falkirk. The victim reportedly
recovered following hospital treatment.
Evening Times,
16 April
2012
Police
recovered several guns in East Dunbartonshire. Among the weapons
retrieved were two AK-47 rifles, reportedly part of a larger arsenal of
guns and ammunition located by officers.
Evening Times,
9 April 2012
An armed
robber held up a shop in Glasgow.
The man reportedly threatened a shopkeeper with a firearm and escaped
with cash.
Stirling Observer,
6 April 2012
An
air gun was found in Lochearnhead
on the bank of Loch Earn. A member of the public reportedly
discovered the air rifle while fishing and handed it into police.
Press and Journal,
6 April 2012
A
15-year-old boy was arrested after reportedly brandishing an
imitation firearm on the street in
Inverness. Police were contacted after the boy was seen carrying a
BB gun in a residential area.
STV,
5 April 2012
Two men
were reportedly threatened by a third man with a firearm in Glasgow.
Police arrested a suspect after carrying out an investigation and
detained him for questioning.
WALES
Caerphilly Observer,
28 April 2012
Two men
armed with a firearm and a hammer held up a restaurant in Pentwynmawr.
After threatening staff, the pair escaped with cash. Police arrested
three men on suspicion of their involvement.
South Wales Evening Post,
19 April 2012
Passengers
on a bus in Briton Ferry, Neath Port Talbot witnessed an
airgun attack. The shooting resulted
in the bus driver being injured and a window being shattered. The driver
survived with a minor injury after being shot in the arm, and took the
bus to safety.
South Wales Argus,
11 April 2012
Police
responded to a suspected firearms incident in Bassaleg, Newport.
Officers located a 19-year-old suspect and recovered the weapon in
question, an air rifle. Police
arrested the man on suspicion of possessing a firearm.
BBC News,
8 April 2012
Police
were called to a house in Flintshire after a man was reportedly
refusing to leave and in possession of an
airgun. Officers said the man was taken into question over
allegations of assault an possession of a firearm with intent to commit
violence.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS
Peterborough Today, 27
April 2012
A cat was
shot with an airgun in Peterborough,
Cambridgeshire. The animal was left with a pellet in his leg. The owner of
the suffering cat, who does not have pet insurance, must choose between an
expensive operation, amputation, or to put the cat down.
Ilkeston Advertiser, 26
April 2012
A cat was
shot in the leg with an pellet gun in
Cossall,
Nottinghamshire. The pet had to have emergency surgery to amputate his
leg.
Watford Observer, 26
April 2012
A protected
Canadian Goose was shot and killed in Croxley Green Marina,
Hertfordshire. The bird had made a nest with its mate and the pair were
preparing to lay eggs when the gander was found dead in the water due to a
gunshot wound.
The Leader, 24
April 2012
A dog was
shot and killed with an air gun in
Mostyn,
Wales. The pet, a small Jack Russell belonging to a 74-year-old woman, had
to be put down due to injuries sustained in the shooting.
Hereford Times, 23
April 2012
A horse was
shot in the face with an air rifle in
Madley, Herefordshire. He underwent an operation to remove the
pellet, which was lodged near his right eye.
Paisley Daily Express, 23
April 2012
A cat was
shot and killed with an air gun in
Edinburgh. The cat was hit in the chest with a pellet and he died the
next day.
Buxton Advertiser,
21
April 2012
A cat was
shot with an air rifle in New Mills,
Derbyshire. She survived the shooting after undergoing surgery to remove
the pellet.
Western Gazette, 19
April 2012
A cat was
shot with an air rifle in Over
Stratton, Somerset.
The pet had to have one of her front legs amputated following the
shooting.
Louth Leader, 18 April 2012
A cat was
shot with an air rifle in Louth, Lincolnshire.
She survived the shooting but lost her eye as a result of the attack.
Tewkesbury Admag,
11 April
2012
A dangerous
dog was shot and killed in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. After the
animal apparently bit a 12-year-old girl and a man, officers used a
stun gun to try to slow it down. After
that failed, they killed it with a shotgun
and arrested the owner on suspicion of having a dog dangerously out of
control.
Times Series,
10 April
2012
Police said
they were summoned for two separate reports of people shooting birds in
Barnet, north London. In one occasion it is believed the shooters used
a shotgun; hours later, another
incident took place involving an air rifle.
No arrests were made.
Sleaford Standard,
8 April 2012
A cat was
shot with an air rifle in
Ruskington, Lincolnshire. The cat was shot in the stomach and was
injured, but survived the attack.
Bognor Regis Observer,
7 April 2012
A bird was
reportedly shot in Bognor Regis, West Sussex. The animal in
question was found to have 'multiple gun shot wounds on its wing and was
put to sleep', while wildlife authorities fear more birds and people may
be in danger of further gun attacks.
Paisley Daily Express,
4 April 2012
A farmer
shot and killed a dog that attacked his sheep in Paisley,
Renfrewshire. The dog's owner was reportedly arrested on suspicion of
failing to control his pet, while the farmer acted lawfully in shooting
the animal.
