THE father of a teenager who was shot in the eye with a paintball pellet is appealing for help to find the culprits.

Travel representative Kelly Lisle is still undergoing treatment and tests at James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. The pellet was fired from a car window.

Her father, Dave, yesterday appealed to people to come forward with information about the attack which happened on Friday, at the junction of Roman Road and Green Lane, Middlesbrough, near the Cleveland College of Art and Design.

He said: "I think the world of Kelly, she's my beautiful daughter and I can't bear to see her suffering like this. Please help the police find the person or people responsible for hurting her before another family has to go through the anguish we are feeling."

Police recovered a yellow paint pellet at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Vickers said: "Someone must know who has this kind of equipment - we believe it is a gas powered device, and someone must have seen something.

"This is a busy student area. Passers-by must have seen the car leaving the scene that day."

The pellet was fired from a passing grey or silver Cavalier or Vectra car.

Officers arrested four men at the weekend in connection with the incident - three have been eliminated from inquiries, and one was released while inquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Middlesbrough Police on (01642) 303126 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.