JUNE
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
BBC News,
24 June 2012
A man has
died in hospital after being shot in Bellingham, south London.
Police have arrested a man, who has been charged with murder as well as
eight other firearms offences.
Ealing Gazette,
21 June 2012
A man was
fatally shot in West Ealing, west London, while his partner was
also attacked and treated in hospital for shoulder injuries. Police
arrested a man and charged him with murder, possession of a firearm with
intent to endanger life and attempted murder.
Nottingham Post,
19 June 2012
A soldier
was found dead at a Nottingham barracks in an apparent gun
suicide. The man was found in early May and the Ministry of Defence
later announced that a senior non-commissioned officer had been found in
accommodation at the barracks.
Guardian,
14 June 2012
One man
was shot dead and another was critically injured in Liverpool. One
victim was found dead at the scene, a residential street, and the other
was taken to hospital. The shooting apparently prompted a police
crackdown that led to 87 arrests over the next week (Liverpool
Echo, 23 July 2012).
Birmingham Mail,
10 June 2012
Two people
were found shot dead in Walsall, West Midlands. The victims were
partners, and police suspect either a domestic murder-suicide or a
double-murder. They arrested the son of one of the victims and his
girlfriend but have not issued any murder charges.
Injuries
Liverpool Echo,
28 June 2012
Gunshots
were reportedly fired at a property in Dovecot, Liverpool. An
18-year-old man was shot in the leg and injured. Police investigated at
the address and arrested four people on suspicion of possessing drugs
with intent to supply.
Birmingham Mail,
25 June 2012
A man was
shot in a nightclub in Dudley, West Midlands. The victim was
reportedly shot in the arm and taken to hospital, where he was expected
to recover after receiving treatment.
The Star,
25 June 2012
A man was
shot on an estate in Sheffield. He was reportedly rushed to
hospital where he received treatment for gunshot wounds.
Liverpool Echo,
23 June 2012
A woman
was shot inside a house in Liverpool. Police said she
successfully underwent treatment in hospital for a gunshot wound to her
stomach. Officers recovered a rifle and arrested a man on suspicion of
possession of a firearm, assault and possession of cannabis.
Birmingham Mail,
21 June 2012
A
four-year-old boy in Warwickshire was shot in the face with an
airgun. He was treated in hospital
where a pellet was removed from his chin, and a 17-year-old man was
arrested on suspicion of carrying out the shooting.
Leamington Courier,
18 June 2012
An armed
robber assaulted a staff member at a newsagent in Leamington,
Warwickshire. The man reportedly threatened a victim with what appeared
to be a gun before apparently striking her with the firearm. He escaped
with cash, while the victim was taken to hospital to be treated for a
fractured hand, whiplash and bruising.
The Star,
17 June 2012
A man was
shot in the shoulder in Sheffield. The victim reportedly turned
up at a hospital where he was treated, and police initially arrested
three men on suspicion of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger
life and wounding.
Manchester Evening News,
15 June 2012
Two armed
men raided a home in Stretford, Manchester. An altercation
reportedly ensued when two men tackled one of the robbers, while the
other assailant fled. Police found a loaded
shotgun outside, and the men who tackled the robber were
treated in hospital for minor injuries.
Hartlepool Mail,
13 June 2012
An elderly
woman was shot in the face with an airgun
in Hartlepool, Co. Durham. Police said the victim was shot with a
pellet that struck close to her eye. Officers suspect a group of three
youths around 13 years old are responsible after the victim reported
seeing them hiding in the bushes with what looked like a firearm.
Daily Echo,
12 June 2012
A woman
was attacked in Eastleigh, Hampshire when a man allegedly shot
her with a self-adapted flare gun and assaulted her with a baton and a
meat cleaver. A suspect was arrested and charged with the attempted
murder of the woman as well as her 2-year-old daughter, to whom he
allegedly administered drugs.
The Post,
11 June 2012
Police
used a stun gun to take down
convicted murderer Paul Flint who was on the run in Bristol.
Flint allegedly attacked a police officer as officers attempted to
arrest him.
Huffington Post,
8 June 2012
A man who
stabbed his dog to death and threatened police with the knife was shot
with a stun gun by officers in
Bishop Auckland, County Durham. He was arrested on suspicion of
affray, while no further people were injured.
St Albans Review,
6 June 2012
A man was
shot in a neighbourhood in St Albans, Hertfordshire. A resident
reportedly heard gunfire and people laughing, then found the victim
lying on the floor covered in blood before alerting authorities. He was
transported to hospital for treatment.
Nottingham Post,
2 June 2012
Three
armed robbers threatened a man with a shotgun
at a residence in Trowell Moor, Nottingham. The victim suffered a
broken ankle as the men attacked him and escaped with cash.
INCIDENTS CAUSING FEAR
Warrington Guardian,
27 June 2012
A primary
school student brandished an airgun
at a school in Warrington, Cheshire. The pupil reportedly showed
the firearm and an ammunition round to other children before the weapon
was taken from him. Police said the gun was not capable of being fired.
Solihull Observer,
26 June 2012
An armed
man reportedly held up two banks in Solihull, West Midlands. He
threatened staff in each bank by saying he had a gun, escaping with cash
in one instance but fleeing after a panic alarm was pressed in the
other. Police have released CCTV footage of the robber's face as they
pursue the suspect.
Liverpool Echo,
22 June 2012
A group of
youths were seen waving what looked like a black handgun in Liverpool.
Police responded to find the men brandishing a
BB gun, and arrested all three on suspicion of possessing an
imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Heart,
22 June 2012
A pizza
delivery man was robbed in Watford, Hertfordshire. The victim was
reportedly surrounded by three teenagers thought to be brandishing a
gun, who threatened the man and stole cash and food.
Your Local Guardian,
22 June 2012
Two men
held up a pawn shop in Battersea, south London. The assailants
reportedly threatened customers and staff with a gun and escaped with
cash in a car driven by a third person.
Liverpool Echo,
21 June 2012
A woman
was held up at gunpoint in a park in Bootle, Merseyside. Two
teenagers, one aged 13, were arrested after four people allegedly
assaulted the victim, threatened her with a gun and stole her purse.
Hackney Gazette,
20 June 2012
Gunshots
were fired in Hackney, east London after an alleged fight broke
out between youths. Police said the altercation involved up to 12 young
people and that a number of shots were fired, dispersing the group.
The Argus,
20 June 2012
A teenager
reportedly threatened another youth with an
imitation gun in Crawley, West Sussex. Police said a
confrontation between the two resulted in officer involvement, and both
young people in question were arrested on suspicion of firearms
offences.
Echo News,
20 June 2012
An armed
robber held up a corner shop in Westcliff, Southend-on-Sea. The
assailant reportedly threatened someone in the shop with a firearm
before escaping.
The Star,
19 June 2012
Three
armed men stole cash after holding up a bookmakers in Sheffield.
The men reportedly threatened a staff member with multiple weapons and
escaped in a stolen car.
BBC News,
17 June 2012
A gunman
on a motorbike reportedly fired shots at a home in Liverpool.
Police arrested a woman and her 17-year-old son after finding a loaded
shotgun and handgun ammunition at a
home during their investigation.
Harrow Times,
15 June 2012
Two men
robbed a bank in Wembley, northwest London. The men allegedly
threatened staff with a sawn-off shotgun
and a handgun. The cashiers were able to raise the alarm
immediately and the suspects fled empty-handed.
Surrey Comet,
15 June 2012
Armed
robbers held up a bank in Tooting, southwest London. Three men
allegedly raided the bank and threatened those present, but no shots
were fired in the incident.
Islington Tribune,
15 June 2012
Shots were
reportedly fired at an estate in north London. No one was injured
in the incident, which was believed to be linked to drugs dealers that
operate on the estate.
BBC News,
13 June 2012
Four armed
men raided a home in Burnage, Manchester. The men
threatened a woman and her children with a gun and escaped with
jewellery. An apparently linked incident took place on the same
road in which three men threatened a woman and her children using a
shovel and stole jewellery.
Mirror,
12 June 2012
Four men
held up a bank in Atherstone, Warwickshire. They
threatened staff at gunpoint after smashing the wall with a stolen
digger. The robbers escaped with cash using a stolen car which
they abandoned nearby.
The Enquirer,
12 June 2012
Three
armed men robbed a shop in Rochford, Essex. The men reportedly
threatened staff with what appeared to be a handgun and then assaulted
one victim, leaving him with slight cuts to his head, before the trio
escaped with cash and cigarettes.
St Albans and Harpenden
Review,
12 June 2012
Police
apparently foiled an attempted robbery in St Albans,
Hertfordshire after receiving a tip off. A man with an
imitation gun was reportedly tackled
to the ground near a bank security van and detained by officers.
Redhill and Reigate Life,
11 June 2012
An armed
man robbed a shop in Horley, Surrey. The raider reportedly
threatened a member of staff with a firearm before escaping with cash and
cigarettes. Police later arrested a 22-year-old man on suspicion of
robbery.
Prestwich and Whitefield Guide,
11 June 2012
A man
reportedly fired gunshots at a home in Bury, Manchester. A member
of the public reported to police seeing a man with a
shotgun at the address and officers
confirmed shots were fired at the front of a house.
News and Star,
11 June 2012
Police
were contacted after members of the public reported gunfire in
Cumbria. Apparently a violent conflict escalated in at least one
gunshot and other weapons were reportedly involved in the dispute. An
investigation was conducted but no arrests were made.
EADT 24,
11 June 2012
Police
were contacted after members of the public reported seeing a
shotgun in Haverhill,
Cambridgeshire. Officers were told a group had a shotgun and had
discharged the weapon at a property. An investigation was conducted but
no arrests were made.
Luton Today,
10 June 2012
Two armed
robberies were carried out in Luton, Bedfordshire. Two men
pointed a gun at staff at a corner shop before stealing cash and
cigarettes, and the same men apparently then raided a betting shop but
were thwarted by their victim setting off the store alarm.
Get Surrey,
8 June 2012
Someone
held up a food store worker in Horley, Surrey with what
was believed to be a firearm. The assailant threatened the member of
staff before escaping with cash and cigarettes.
Click Manchester,
8 June 2012
Three
armed men raided a family's home in Heaton Chapel, Stockport,
holding two parents at gunpoint. However, they were scared away after
the victims' 11-year-old daughter attacked the gunmen with a curtain
pole. The men escaped on foot.
Echo News,
7 June 2012
A teenager
was assaulted by a group of three youths with a gun in Westcliff,
Essex. The victim was reportedly struck over the head with the gun but
did not sustain serious injuries.
Prestwich and Whitefield Guide,
4 June 2012
A
ten-year-old girl was shot by a BB gun
in Radcliffe, Greater Manchester. She did not suffer severe
injuries and police detained two 12-year-old boys they believe were
responsible for the attack.
Other Incidents
Gazette & Herald,
26 June 2012
An
air rifle was stolen from a home in
Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The firearm was taken after
burglars entered an unlocked door in a home and took various items.
Daily Gazette,
26 June 2012
Police
recovered two BB guns from a car in
Colchester. A man driving the car was arrested and charged with
possession of an imitation firearm in a public place.
This is Local London,
26 June 2012
Police
arrested a pair of 21-year-olds in Crayford, southeast London
after they were caught driving a car with a firearm and ammunition. Both
men were charged with possession of a firearm and possession of
ammunition.
Express and Star,
23 June 2012
Vandals
shot pellet guns at a new leisure
centre in Bilston, West Midlands in five recent attacks. The
pellets reportedly caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Your Local Guardian,
22 June 2012
Police
recovered a shotgun and cartridges
from an uninsured car in Lambeth, south London and subsequently
arrested three men in the vehicle. The action was reportedly part of a
crackdown on uninsured drivers that has led to many further arrests and
vehicle seizures.
Shropshire Star,
21 June 2012
Cartridges
for a shotgun were stolen from a gun
club in Shipley, Shropshire. More than 1,000 cartridges were
reportedly stolen which can be used in any 12-gauge shotgun.
Croydon Guardian,
19 June 2012
An assault
rifle was recovered from a property in Croydon, south London. A
man carrying out DIY repairs to his floorboards reportedly discovered
the firearm and turned it in to police.
Evening Chronicle,
18 June 2012
Someone
broke into a home in Washington, Tyne and Wear and stole cash and
a gun. The person reportedly took a rifle in addition to money and other
small items belonging to the resident.
Lancashire Evening Post,
16 June 2012
Police
recovered a sawn-off shotgun and
drugs from a shed in Preston. Police arrested a man and charged
him with possessing the drugs, though no arrests related to the weapon
were initially made.
Birmingham Mail,
12 June 2012
Police
recovered a firearm after searching a residence in Birmingham in
execution of a warrant. Officers later arrested a 21-year-old man on
suspicion of possessing a firearm and breach of suspended sentence.
Cornish Guardian,
8 June 2012
Police
arrested a man after a six-hour siege in Bugle, Cornwall. After a
reported altercation between two men, police arrested one and pursued
the second, who was believed to have made a death threat with a gun.
Officers surrounded a house containing the second suspect and his
girlfriend, and eventually arrested him without further violence.
Surrey Comet,
7 June 2012
A man was
allegedly sighted with a gun in Tooting, southwest London. Police
arrested the suspect at a barber shop and did not find a firearm, but
did recover drugs and arrested the man for possession.
ITV,
5 June 2012
Police
recovered homemade explosives and an improvised firearm from a home in
Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Officers arrested a man and charged him
with possession of a firearm, and he could face further charges after
police run tests on a substance that was found.
Herald Express,
2 June 2012
Ammunition
and an imitation gun were stolen
from a museum in Brixham, Devon. Thieves took two shells, an
ammunition box, binoculars and a replica gun from a pillbox and museum
staff discovered the theft once police found the firearm nearby.
SCOTLAND
BBC News,
21 June 2012
A man was
arrested in East Dunbartonshire after police found illegal
firearms and ammunition at his property. He was charged with five counts
of possessing a firearm with no certificate and five counts of
possessing a prohibited weapon, as well as possessing a
shotgun, ammunition, expanding
ammunition and a controlled drug.
Scotsman,
12 June 2012
Police
arrested a man in Livingston and charged him with possessing an
air rifle with a telescopic sight
and a silencer in public. The suspect was also charged with trespassing,
behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and drink driving both in a
car and on a motorcycle.
Edinburgh Evening News,
12 June 2012
A man was
arrested after holding up a store in East Lothian as his victim
was able to track the robber's escape and report it to police. The
suspect reportedly threatened two members of staff with what he claimed
was a gun, but they refused to hand over cash. The raider eventually
fled empty-handed after a struggle with the shopkeeper, who followed him
and saw him enter a home where police then arrested him.
ITV,
6 June 2012
Five
shotguns and a rifle were stolen
from two houses in Dumfries. Police believe the raids could be
linked and issued a plea to gun owners to take extra precautions.
STV,
5 June 2012
Two men
robbed a shop at gunpoint in Edinburgh. The robbers reportedly
brandished a handgun and threatened a shopkeeper before escaping with
cash and cigarettes.
WALES
County Times,
25 June 2012
An
airgun was stolen from a parked car
in Newtown. Police said someone smashed a window of the car and
took a multi-shot air rifle with a silencer that had been left on the
rear seat.
BBC News,
11 June 2012
Police
received reports that a man fired an air rifle
from the roof of a property in Wrexham. No one was reported
injured as a result of the incident and initial attempts to locate the
suspect were unsuccessful.
INCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS
Get Bracknell,
25 June 2012
An Egyptian
goose was shot with an airgun in
Berkshire. The bird was left with a pellet near her heart that can't
be removed, and since she will never fly again she will not be returned to
the wild.
Merthyr Express,
21 June 2012
Two cats
were shot with airguns in Merthyr
Vale, Wales, as one was killed and the other injured. The attacks took
place within two days, as the second victim died when pellets ruptured his
bladder.
Liverpool Echo,
20 June 2012
A cat was
shot with an air rifle in Huyton,
Merseyside. The animal suffered a cracked rib and internal injuries, but
she survived after an emergency operation to remove part of her liver.
Rugby Observer,
19 June 2012
A cat was
shot and killed with a pellet gun in
Long Lawford, Warwickshire. The pet was found dead with a single
pellet wound on the left side of his body.
Wakefield Express,
17 June 2012
A
30-year-old pet parrot was shot in the wing in Outwood, West
Yorkshire. Police said the weapon used was probably a
BB gun. He was treated for the injury
and expected to recover.
Telegraph,
16 June 2012
A man who
killed a neighbour's dog in Cheshire was cleared of any wrongdoing.
He used a shotgun to kill the dog
after it allegedly killed one of his sheep.
Batley News,
15 June 2012
A cat was
shot with an airgun in Dewsbury,
West Yorkshire. She was shot in the side and the local vet confirmed she
had been shot with an air rifle.
Ashbourne News Telegraph,
12 June 2012
A cat was
shot twice with an airgun in
Denstone,
Staffordshire. He was wounded in the left eye and neck by the attack, and
has lost sight in the eye as a result.
Western Telegraph,
11 June 2012
A horse was
shot with an airgun in Goodwick
Moor,
Pembrokeshire. The horse was wounded in the right side of its chest as a
pellet was left embedded in the animal.
Spenborough Guardian,
10 June 2012
A cat was
shot with an airgun in Cleckheaton,
West Yorkshire. The pet, who was left with a pellet lodged in his skull
when he was shot on a previous occasion months earlier, recovered from the
recent attack after an operation.
Blackpool Gazette,
4 June 2012
A cat was shot with an airgun in
Blackpool. The attack comes two months after the animal's owners
had another pet cat shot and killed by an air rifle.
This is Local London,
2 June 2012
A pigeon was shot with an airgun in
Weybridge, Surrey. The bird was a local favourite at a hair salon,
where he was found wounded by an airgun pellet. He received treatment from
the Wildlife Aid Foundation in nearby Leatherhead.
Hertfordshire Mercury,
1 June 2012
A pet owner
reported a series of gun attacks on pets in Hertfordshire,
including two of her cats. An airgun
and BB gun were apparently both used
in the attacks, which resulted in several bullet wounds to the animals.
