SEPTEMBER 2011 - 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

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ENGLAND

Deaths

BBC News, 30 September 2011

A man died of gunshot wounds in Littlehampton, West Sussex. Three shots were reported heard at the home of the man, a licensed firearms owner, and he died after being taken to hospital. After the initial gunshots, the victim's wife alleged that she had been attacked. She fled to a neighbour's house and contacted police, but was apparently not physically injured. Officers said they are not seeking anybody else in connection with the shooting.

Daily Mail, 21 September 2011

A Norfolk inquest heard that a police officer took his own life with a licensed shotgun he used to shoot pheasants. His partner, the mother of his two children, confronted him after she discovered a text message on his phone which led her to believe he had formed a friendship with another person. His body was discovered on Blofield Heath on 19 April 2011.

Guardian, 20 September 2011

A woman was shot and killed on a farm in Devon. Police arrested her husband and charged him with murder after finding the victim dead from gunshot wounds.

Liverpool Echo, 17 September 2011

A man was shot and killed in the street in Norris Green, Liverpool on 30 August. The 24-year-old victim was shot once in the head and pronounced dead after arriving at hospital. One man has been arrested and charged with the murder, and he has now made an initial court appearance.

Sky News, 15 September 2011

A 21-year-old soldier was shot and killed in an incident at a military training ground in Kent. Police are investigating, along with the Army and Health & Safety Executive. The young man was killed by a single gunshot wound to the head.

BBC News, 10 September 2011

A man was fatally shot at a pub in Manchester. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital but pronounced dead shortly thereafter. Police said they believed the victim was shot during an altercation in the pub just before 3 a.m. (BBC News, 11 September 2011)

Gazette Herald, 8 September 2011

A 92-year-old man in Easingwold, north Yorkshire shot and killed himself in June. Reports indicate that the man, who was suffering from leukaemia, shot himself with a shotgun in poor but working condition.

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Injuries

BBC News, 30 September 2011

Three teenage girls were hit by shotgun pellets in Queen's Park, west London. One young woman was reportedly holding her baby at the time, though the infant was not struck. The shooter and three other men fled on bicycles. All three victims were taken to hospital with injuries reported not to be life-threatening. Police said they believe the shooting was gang-related, and that the victims were not the intended targets.

Yorkshire Evening Post, 28 September 2011

Police responded to a call in Leeds after a man was reported in possession of a knife. Officers reportedly instructed him to surrender the weapon, and used a taser gun to stun him when he didn't cooperate. They arrested him and one other man, who was detained on suspicion of public order offences.

Harrow Times, 21 September 2011

A firefighter claims he was wrongly attacked with a taser gun by police in Harrow earlier in the month. He claims he was tasered after reporting an incident to police while off-duty. The firefighter alleges that he received 'verbal abuse' despite trying to help officers and was subsequently shot with the taser gun.

BBC News, 20 September 2011

A 22-year-old man was shot in the leg in Liverpool. Police arrested two men on suspicion of assault and firearm possession, while the victim was taken to hospital in serious condition.

The Independent, 17 September 2011

Police in Manchester are facing an inquiry after using a taser gun to stun a 16-year-old boy. Officers were called by the boy's mother following an argument between the two, but an altercation ensued when police intervened that resulted in the stun gun being deployed. The Independent reports the boy's family are considering taking legal action.

Wigan Today, 16 September 2011

A 76-year-old woman was shot with an air gun while walking her dog in Wigan. Police have reportedly seized an air pistol in their investigation, and the woman has recovered after the pellet hit her stomach.

Your Local Guardian, 16 September 2011

Two men, one aged 19, were shot in Battersea, south London. The older man was shot in the leg and discharged from hospital, but the teenager reportedly remained with chest wounds. Firefighters were the first to respond, and administered first aid to one of the victims.

Ealing Gazette, 15 September 2011

A teenager was shot in the leg in Ealing, west London. With this incident combining with a suspected drive-by shooting earlier in the month that saw two men hospitalised,  police reported that guns have been fired in the borough almost 20 times since April, and there have been more than 50 local gun crimes in the past six months.

The Sentinel, 8 September 2011

A fight in Staffordshire resulted in police shooting a man with a taser gun. Police said one man was arrested after an officer was assaulted. The Staffordshire Police force have used taser guns, which deliver 50,000 volts of electricity, 165 times since they were introduced six years ago.

Your Local Guardian, 8 September 2011

A gunshot victim in Sutton, south London took a taxi to hospital. The 22-year-old was shot in the knee on an estate and was treated successfully. The incident reportedly marks just the fifth time since April that a weapon has been discharged in a gun crime in Sutton, which is next to Croydon in south London.

BBC News, 4 September 2011

A man was injured during a shooting in Ealing, west London. Police said his condition is not life-threatening and there have not been any arrests made over the attack. The Ealing Gazette later reported that two victims had been shot and taken to hospital (see 'Ealing Gazette, 15 September' entry above).

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INCIDENTS CAUSING FEAR

Bedfordshire News, 30 September 2011

Someone robbed a bookmakers in Bedford. A man reportedly threatened a member of staff with what appeared to be a handgun, locking the victim in a toilet and escaping with money.

Liverpool Echo, 30 September 2011

Shots were fired in an early-morning drive-by shooting in Southport, Liverpool. Residents notified police upon hearing the gunshots, and officers said they believe the attack was targeted.

Manchester Evening News, 29 September 2011

Two teenage boys were robbed at gunpoint in Sale, Manchester. Two men reportedly carried out the robbery, with one producing a gun to threaten the victims. The offenders stole money and phones and escaped on foot.

Hampshire Chronicle, 28 September 2011

Police arrested a man in Winchester, Hampshire after he reportedly threatened officers with an imitation handgun. The man was allegedly carrying the firearm as well as an imitation hand grenade and made a threat to police before being arrested.

BBC News, 27 September 2011

Five armed raids took place in a two-day stretch in Merseyside, which police believe may be linked. In each, a man threatened staff of an establishment with gun, leaving victims traumatised in every instance but not causing any physical injuries.

Blackpool Gazette, 26 September 2011

An armed robbery followed a stabbing on the same street in a tumultuous half-hour in Blackpool. A man held up a supermarket, apparently threatening staff with a handgun before fleeing empty-handed, after a stabbing victim was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Police said they arrested a man on suspicion of carrying out the robbery, and arrested a pair of people in connection to the stabbing -- a man on suspicion of attempted murder and a woman on suspicion of conspiracy to wound.

BBC News, 24 September 2011

A woman was tied up and threatened with an axe and a stun gun at her home in Bradford. Three men reportedly invaded her home and bound her, stealing cash and her car.

Luton Today, 24 September 2011

Two armed men robbed a bookmakers in Luton. The men reportedly threatened staff with a handheld firearm before leaving with cash.

Manchester Evening News, 23 September 2011

A teenage boy caused panic in Miles Platting, Manchester when he fired an air rifle. He reportedly walked into a gym class and fired the gun above his head. The teen was arrested on suspicion of possessing an imitation firearm after police recovered the weapon.

BBC News, 23 September 2011

Armed robbers raided a supermarket in Bexleyheath, south London. Three staff members were allegedly threatened with a shotgun while a fourth escaped. Police said they have identified one suspect and are in pursuit of his arrest.

Bath Chronicle, 22 September 2011

Armed police responded to a report of a gunman in Bath. A dog walker notified police after she reportedly saw what appeared to be a man carrying a gun. Officers did not make any arrests or locate any firearms.

Harrow Times, 22 September 2011

A man is in court in Harrow after being charged with five counts of robbery, three counts of attempted robbery and nine counts of possession of an imitation firearm. He is facing charges related to a string of recent robberies across Harrow.

Elmbridge Guardian, 21 September 2011

A man armed with a shotgun tied up and robbed two people in Weybridge, Surrey. The man allegedly tied up a woman and a teenage boy after threatening them with the gun, also causing minor injuries to the boy, before leaving with cash and jewellery.

Leigh Reporter, 21 September 2011

Two violent robberies were reported within an hour of each other in Wigan. A bank was raided in the first instance, before a man was attacked and robbed. Police said they did not believe the incidents were related. In the bank incident, men reportedly armed with a sawn-off shotgun stole cash and fled. No firearm was reported involved in the second robbery.

BBC News, 21 September 2011

Police released a CCTV image of a man they believe robbed a bank in Leicester. A man reportedly threatened staff with what was thought to be a firearm before escaping with cash.

Burton Mail, 20 September 2011

Stray pellets from an air rifle fell around customers at a car dealership in Burton, Staffordshire. Police confiscated the weapon after members of the public reportedly ran for cover when they heard the gun shots. No one was reported sustaining physical injuries.

Braintree and Witham Times, 20 September 2011

A gunman threatened staff at a bookkeepers in Westcliff, Essex. The robber reportedly pointed a firearm at staff members before leaving with a four-figure sum of cash.

This is Lincolnshire, 19 September 2011

An armed man reportedly robbed a jewellery shop in Lincolnshire. Police released a CCTV image of the suspect, who was carrying what appeared to be a gun when he robbed the store and fled on foot.

Runcorn and Widnes World, 19 September 2011

An armed robber threatened two staff members at a shop in Runcorn, Cheshire. A man with what appeared to be a handgun reportedly stalked near the store until no customers were around, then pointed the gun at two women in the store before he fled with cash and cigarettes.

Evening Gazette, 16 September 2011

Shots were fired in Middlesborough, striking windows of houses 'across the town' as residents expressed their fear. The shots, believed to be from passing cars, were apparently fired from air guns or BB guns. More than 10 cases were reported over the past week.

Worthing Herald, 15 September 2011

An individual allegedly attempted to rob a shop in Worthing, west Sussex, and also attempted to steal a woman's car. Police arrested a man and charged him with attempted robbery and possession of an imitation firearm.

Westminster Chronicle, 14 September 2011

Armed robbers held up a store in St. John's Wood, west London. Two men reportedly threatened staff with a gun and stole money. Police said they believe a third individual was waiting outside to help them escape.

Evening Standard, 14 September 2011

A 70-year-old woman's Tulse Hill, south London home was hit with gunfire. Three bullets were shot into her wall and furniture. The borough of Lambeth in south London saw a drop in firearms incidents from 278 to 215 over the past two years, the Standard reports. However, gun murders doubled and the borough remains London's worst for gun crime.

Shropshire Star, 14 September 2011

Members of the public notified police in Shrewsbury of a gun being pointed out of a window. Armed police closed off the area and arrested a man on suspicion of threats to kill -- but they later released the individual without charge.

This is Staffordshire, 14 September 2011

An armed man held up a shop in Biddulph, Staffordshire. The suspect allegedly threatened a staff member with a firearm but left without cash -- though he did steal a bottle of alcohol -- when the shop assistant refused to cooperate.

Yorkshire Evening Post, 13 September 2011

Two armed robbers raided a betting shop in Leeds. The pair reportedly threatened staff and customers with a gun and knife, fleeing with cash.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 13 September 2011

Six men were arrested in Batley, West Yorkshire after shots were fired in three locations. Police believe the incidents are linked, and said the gunfire caused damage to three properties' windows and front doors. The six men arrested are all between 19 and 28 years old.

Coventry Telegraph, 13 September 2011

Two 16-year-old boys caused a stir in Coventry after they were spotted inside a car with what appeared to be firearms. Police said both boys were in fact in possession of BB guns and no further action was taken after officers spoke to them. Owning a BB or replica gun is not illegal, but it is illegal to carry them in public.

BBC News, 11 September 2011

Police have charged a suspect they believe is responsible for two armed robberies in Merseyside. The incidents took place at banks in Bootle and Tuebrook and police charged a man with two counts of robbery as well as possession of an imitation firearm.

Atlantic FM, 11 September 2011

A man was arrested after allegedly threatening people with a handgun in Falmouth, Cornwall. He reportedly threatened occupants of a house with what police determined to be a 'realistic looking' BB gun. The man was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause alarm.

Northern Echo, 10 September 2011

Police arrested a man 30 minutes after an armed robber held up a restaurant in Teeside. The suspect was charged with attempted robbery, possession of a firearm with criminal intent, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a firearm after conviction.

St. Helens Star, 9 September 2011

Police arrested seven people following a pair of shootings in St. Helens. Officers reportedly believe the incidents may be 'the culmination of an ongoing dispute between two groups'. There were no injuries in the two shootings.

Manchester Evening News, 9 September 2011

Members of the public bravely thwarted an armed robber in Stockport. The man had held up staff at the Post Office and escaped with money on a bike when a man pulled him to the floor. Then other members of the public helped to detain the gunman, before police arrived and arrested him.

BBC News, 9 September 2011

An armed robber held up a bank in Bootle, Merseyside, threatening staff with a gun and stealing money. Police arrested a man in Liverpool an hour later on suspicion of his involvement, in addition to questioning him about another armed robbery that had taken place nearby two days prior.

Grimsby Telegraph, 9 September 2011

A man recovered a loaded crossbow from a group of 13- to 16-year-olds in Grimsby, Lincolnshire and handed it in to police. He had seen the gang brandishing the weapon -- illegal for youths to possess -- outside shops one night.

Chronicle Live, 9 September 2011

Two men reportedly threatened a shop owner with an imitation firearm in Gateshead, near Newcastle. A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of their involvement.

Bath Chronicle, 9 September 2011

A man was arrested in Bath after three reports that members of the public had been approached by a man with a handgun. One victim who had been threatened by the man in an attempted robbery said, 'For me, it is irrelevant whether the gun was real or not'.

This is Wiltshire, 9 September 2011

A man was arrested when he was seen holding a firearm while cycling in Devizes, Wiltshire. Someone was spotted holding what appeared to be a rifle and ran from police, but a search ensued and officers detained a 19-year-old suspect. They charged him with possession of a firearm and theft, and recovered an air rifle nearby.

Liverpool Echo, 8 September 2011

A man held up a bank in Liverpool, quietly threatening a cashier with a firearm and leaving with a bag full of cash. No arrests were made but the incident was captured on CCTV.

BBC News, 8 September 2011

A man was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence. Police stopped the man in Leicester and recovered a ball-bearing gun.

Coventry Telegraph, 8 September 2011

Four men were arrested after allegedly holding up a pub in Coventry. A group of men reportedly threatened staff of the establishment with an imitation firearm, and the suspects are charged with aggravated burglary and robbery. Also, a fifth man was arrested on suspicion of cultivation of cannabis after 40 plants were discovered in the pub.

Luton Today, 7 September 2011

Two men robbed a bookmakers in Luton as one threatened staff with a handgun. An elderly man fainted as they carried out the robbery, and the men left the shop with cash.

Sunday Sun, 7 September 2011

A man was arrested in Northumbria after apparently getting into an argument at a service station while armed with a shotgun. After police received reports that the man was seen at the petrol station with a firearm, they made an arrest but did not recover a weapon.

Rochdale Online, 7 September 2011

A supermarket in Rochdale was robbed twice in three nights. In the first incident, the perpetrators assaulted a member of staff and tied him up. In the second, three masked men raided the store armed with an axe and what was believed to be a handgun.

Bucks Free Press, 7 September 2011

An armed man threatened a victim in Wycombe, Buckinghamshire with a gun. The perpetrator reportedly tried to steal a chain from the victim's neck, then pulled the weapon. No shots were fired in the incident.

Manchester Evening News, 6 September 2011

Gunshots were fired into the door and window of a house in Burnage, Manchester. Police said the occupants of the suburban home were inside the house at the time of the attack, but no one was hit by the gunfire.

Dorset Echo, 6 September 2011

Two men held up a Post Office in Weymouth, Dorset. A pair of men were charged with robbery and possession of a firearm and after an initial court appearance they will return on 31 October, being held in custody until then.

Get Hampshire, 5 September 2011

Two armed robbers held up a security van delivering money to cash machines in Aldershot, Hampshire. The men threatened the guards, who were traveling to a supermarket, and escaped on a motorbike with cash.

Harrogate News, 3 September 2011

An armed robbery was carried out in Wetherby, Yorkshire as three men armed with a firearm and hammers raided a jewellers. Police said they recovered the car the robbers escaped in but the men changed vehicles nearby. Although no physical injuries were reported, a witness said the assault was 'quite violent' (Yorkshire Evening Post, 2 September 2011).

BBC News, 2 September 2011

Police responded to reports of gunfire in Coventry and found bullet casings. The incident resulted in five arrests, as police suspect two teenagers of vehicle theft after stopping them in a stolen car. Three more were held in custody on suspicion of drug offences and assaulting a police officer. There were no reports of injuries.

Times Series, 2 September 2011

An armed robber held up a betting shop in Burnt Oak, north London. Arriving as the store opened, the robber threatened a member of staff and escaped with cash.

 

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Other Incidents

The Star, 30 September 2011

Police recovered four lethal firearms in raids across Sheffield. Officers seized a high-powered rifle and ammunition, two shotguns and ammunition, and a handgun. Sheffield has had four gang-related murders in the last four years, with three from guns and one by knife.

Coulsdon and Purley Advertiser, 30 September 2011

Police in Coulsdon, south London said a lack of CCTV prevented any arrests from being made after a gun shop was raided in August. The shop was one of several in the area that fell victim to looters and vandals during the riots. Residents of the area have appealed for CCTV to be installed.

International Business Times, 29 September 2011

A massive operation that took down nearly 13,000 websites selling fake drugs has seized 'millions of pounds worth' of fake medicine, with more than half in the UK. Weapons including a taser gun were also confiscated.

News Today, 28 September 2011

A family reportedly had their van stolen in Northampton, and alleged that the thieves were in possession of a shotgun. Police apparently couldn't pursue the stolen vehicle from the traveller's site, where the robbers were alleged to have taken it, because they hadn't completed a risk assessment.

Heat World, 23 September 2011

A fake bank robbery was staged in Hackney, east London as singer Britney Spears brandished an imitation gun at Stoke Newington Town Hall whilst filming a video. Local officials announced the crew did not have permission to wield the toy firearm at the Town Hall and condemned the glamourisation of gun violence in their community.

Dorset Echo, 23 September 2011

Police launched a search for a man believed to be armed with a pistol near Portesham, Dorset. Officers said the man is a licensed firearms holder but went missing the morning of 21 September. A team of 40 individuals was deployed to search, with the primary fear reportedly for the man's own safety as opposed to that of the public.

Somerset Guardian, 23 September 2011

Shots were fired at a sign in Paulton, Bristol while workers were on the premises. Police noted that the lives of workers or even trespassers were put in danger by the gunfire. No one was reported injured in the incident.

Lynn News, 23 September 2011

A man is in court over two firearms offences in Lynn, Staffordshire. He is accused of possessing a prohibited 12-bore shotgun and possessing ammunition without a certificate.

Get Wokingham, 22 September 2011

Police recovered car parts they believe were stolen in Arborfield, Reading, in an operation designed to counter metal theft. As part of the investigations, a man was arrested for possession of a shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

Melton Times, 21 September 2011

Five shotguns were stolen from a house in Melton, Leicestershire. The guns were licensed, but are now at-large after being taken earlier in September.

The Independent, 21 September 2011

Police responded to an incident outside a secondary school in Wickford, Essex as a 14-year-old boy was arrested. Reports suggest the boy was in possession of a firearm. No one was reported injured.

Redditch Standard, 16 September 2011

Stephen Blake, who has been convicted of possessing a sawn-off shotgun, is on the run from police. Blake, due to serve eight years in prison, fled when DNA evidence linked him to a gun in court. Police said his strongest contacts are in the Redditch area, though he could be anywhere in the country. Two more men are also on the run after being convicted of robbery and affray (Coventry Telegraph, 21 September 2011).

Southwark News, 16 September 2011

A father and son face five firearms charges each after they were allegedly caught with a handgun, silencer and ammunition in Southwark, south London. The pair were refused bail and remanded in custody until their trial.

Manchester Evening News, 15 September 2011

Shots were fired in Clayton, Manchester. Police said they recovered several bullet casings at the scene and arrested one person. No one was reported injured and no property damaged.

North London Today, 14 September 2011

Police in Edmonton, north London arrested 37 people after setting up a fake hip-hop music store and running a business selling guns and other illegal items. The operation had run for a year and was initiated in response to five local murders in 2008. Police said that 21 firearms were recovered through the operation, as 34 of the defendants immediately pled guilty. See the 'Enfield Independent, 12 September' entry in this month's Sentences page for more.

Birmingham Mail, 14 September 2011

Three arrests have been made in relation to the gun crime caused by riots in Birmingham. Three males -- aged 25, 20 and 16 -- have been charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit violent disorder. These arrests are in relation to an incident on the morning of 10 August in which 'a number of shots' were reportedly fired at police officers and the force helicopter.

Croydon Guardian, 14 September 2011

Nicholas Edwards, who served seven years in jail for armed robbery, is now wanted by police after he didn't register with his probation officer. Edwards, with 22 convictions dating back to 1975, pled guilty in 2004 to armed robbery in Purley, south London.

Daily Gazette, 13 September 2011

A suspected air gun attack on a community centre in Colchester, Essex resulted in a broken window. The centre had only been opened one week after ten years of effort to finish building it.

Shropshire Live, 13 September 2011

Four shotguns were stolen in Ellesmere, Shropshire when a man distracted a woman by indicating his dog ran into her yard. She later realised her house had been searched and her wallet taken in addition to the firearms.

Northern Echo, 13 September 2011

Someone stole two shotguns and two rifles from a home in Wearside. Police said a house was burgled and a gun cabinet forced open, although apparently no ammunition was taken.

Halstead Gazette, 12 September 2011

The head of Essex Police has revealed gun crime has risen in his county. Between April and June there were 48 crimes involving a firearm in Essex, 'more than any three-month period in recent history' and up a third from the 32 recorded in the same period last year. Of the 48 crimes, 33 involved air guns or BB guns, while 10 were from handguns and five from a shotgun.

Sunderland Echo, 12 September 2011

A member of the public found a gun while walking in woodland in Sunderland. Police did not indicate what type of firearm it was or whether it was linked to any crimes.

Brentwood Weekly News, 12 September 2011

Two young people have been arrested and charged with possessing an imitation firearm in Brentwood, Essex. A 23-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl were allegedly caught with a BB gun in a public place on 9 August.

Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 10 September 2011

An air gun was apparently used to damage the window of a vehicle in Huddersfield. The incident was mentioned in a brief report of local crime in the first two weeks of September.

Dudley News, 9 September 2011

Police responded to a reported firearms incident during the night in Dudley, West Midlands. There were no reported injuries and police were investigating whether a firearm was actually used.

Sunderland Echo, 8 September 2011

A suspected gunman was arrested in Sunderland. Police said they chased and captured a man in connection with a 'stand-off' at a garage. No one was injured in the incident.

Richmond and Twickenham Times, 7 September 2011

Police seized 19 guns and a collection of hunting knives after raiding a long boat and a house in Twickenham. The firearms included revolvers and a semi-automatic pistol, as well as 150 rounds of ammunition, tools for making bullets and documents detailing how to convert firearms. One man was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.

St. Helens Star, 7 September 2011

Gunshots were fired at a property in St. Helens, Merseyside, prompting neighbours to contact police. There were no reported injuries in the area, which has reportedly seen 'numerous instances of disorder in recent years'.

Liverpool Echo, 5 September 2011

The Echo reports that gangs in Liverpool are using Facebook to show off the firearms they possess in an attempt to intimidate rivals. Personal pages for Liverpool gang members show photos such as a masked young man proudly holding a sub-machine gun, an automatic weapon used by special forces around the world.

Your Local Guardian, 4 September 2011

A car reportedly collided into a wall and a gun was shot in Croydon, police said. Officers responded to reports of a shooting and found the crashed car as well as evidence of a discharged firearm, but did not find any injured persons at the scene.

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SCOTLAND

Rutherglen Reformer, 21 September 2011

A man in Rutherglen, Glasgow was shot in the cheek and twice on the hand by what is believed to have been a high-powered air pistol. The incident reportedly occurred when the gunman threatened the victim's girlfriend at her home. The victim attempted to grab the gun and was wounded after three shots were fired.

Evening Express, 21 September 2011

An armed robber in Aberdeen fled a bookkeepers after staff realised he possessed an imitation firearm. The man reportedly assaulted a woman behind the counter, but she held her ground despite the 'shock' at being threatened.

BBC News, 21 September 2011

A man in Fife has been charged with murdering his brother in October 2010. He is charged along with two others after the victim was gunned down last year. The trio are also are accused of murdering a second victim by shooting him in the head on the same night. They are now on trial in Scotland.

Scotsman News, 14 September 2011

An armed robber threatened a security guard in Bothwell, Glasgow with a firearm. He escaped by car with a security box.

BBC News, 6 September 2011

Four men invaded the home of a 60-year-old couple in North Lanarkshire and threatened them with a firearm. The robbers reportedly escaped with a five-figure sum of cash.

Scotsman News, 6 September 2011

Police in Lothian, west Scotland have recovered 3,653 firearms since 2006, including a machine gun and 'hundreds' of shotguns and rifles, as well as stun guns, handguns and air weapons. These weapons have been melted down to prevent further use. The Scotsman reported that 150 crimes involving firearms were recorded in the area in the last year (April 2010-March 2011), a dramatic reduction from 267 the previous year. Police chiefs said the vast majority of firearms incidents involved replicas and airguns.

STV, 5 September 2011

Hundreds of shotgun rounds were stolen from a clay pigeon shooting event in West Lothian. Along with the cartridges, a three-figure sum of money was taken at the tournament site overnight.

Daily Record, 3 September 2011

Police in Edinburgh believe one man is responsible for a series of armed robberies throughout June, July and August. The man reportedly raided six establishments around the city from 2 June to 29 August.

STV News, 1 September 2011

A busker in Kilmarnock was arrested at a bus station after reports that he possessed a gun. The street musician reportedly dresses frequently as 'Captain Jack Sparrow' from the Pirates of the Caribbean film series, but police were warned his pistol was real. The gun turned out to be a 'toy', but the busker was then charged with possessing a knife.

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WALES

No reported incidents.

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INCIDENTS INVOLVING ANIMALS

Harwich and Manningtree Standard, 30 September 2011

A six-month-old kitten was shot by an air gun in Harwich, Essex. She was left with a fractured leg but is expected to survive following an operation.

Highland News, 29 September 2011

Two birds were apparently shot by an air gun near a school in Inverness. The birds, a pigeon and a seagull, were both taken to a vet and put to sleep.

Peterborough Today, 27 September 2011

A cat was shot in the neck by an air gun in Peterborough. He escaped without severe physical injury, though his vocal chords were affected, as the pellet missed the animal's vital organs. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Medway Messenger, 26 September 2011

A cat was badly injured after being shot in the neck by an air gun in Kent. He reportedly is expected to survive after undergoing surgery, but has been left with severe damage to his nervous system.

Oxford Mail, 23 September 2011

A cat was shot by an air rifle in Oxford. A vet reported that the air gun pellet went into her abdominal cavity and made three holes. She is expected to recover after receiving treatment.

Hereford Times, 23 September 2011

Someone shot a horse with an air rifle in Hereford. The 15-year-old rescue horse reportedly recovered from the attack, escaping with a puncture mark still visible under his skin.

BBC News, 23 September 2011

A cat was shot and killed by an air gun in Skellingthorpe, near Lincoln. Vets found an air pellet that had been shot through his heart.

Medway Messenger, 21 September 2011

A cat was shot with an air gun in Kent. Police said he had been hit with a pellet on 5 September and was in a serious condition.

Scunthorpe Telegraph, 15 September 2011

A cat was shot in the face by an air gun in Scunthorpe, north Lincolnshire. A lead pellet was removed from his cheek, just below the right eye. He is expected to make a full recovery.

Fenland Citizen, 10 September 2011

A cat was shot by an air rifle in Cambridgeshire, leaving a hole in his back leg. An initial report from the vet indicated the cat would need to have the leg amputated.

The Courier, 7 September 2011

Two cats were shot and killed by air guns in Fife, Scotland over the past month. The owners of the cat from the second incident saw her 'stumble out' after being shot and then die an hour later. Meanwhile, a nearby cat owner found her cat lying outside her home after she was also shot by an air gun in August.

Peterborough Today, 5 September 2011

A cat was shot and killed by an air gun in Eye Green, near Peterborough. He was put down by vets after an air gun pellet became lodged in his spine.

Malvern Gazette, 2 September 2011

A cat was shot by an air gun in Upper Welland, Worcestershire. He had one leg amputated but survived after 10 days at the vets.