POLICE in Newton Aycliffe are appealing for witnesses after a teenage girl was shot and injured by youths brandishing an air rifle.

The 15-year-old was walking down a bridlepath at the back of Hambleton Road, in Chilton, at 4.30pm on Wednesday, August 13, when a youth raised his airgun and pointed it at her.

The girl had to go to hospital with an injured arm.

Detective Constable Kevin Halpin said: "It wasn't life threatening but she was shocked. She didn't realise at the time that she was shot, until she walked away.

"People have to realise that these weapons can be very powerful. How often do we read about eyes being shot out, and this sort of thing? Unfortunately it is legal to possess them, but when someone gets injured it isn't."

Officers are now hoping that witnesses will come forward.

The three youngsters were all male and aged between 16 and 20. They wore baseball caps and were bare-chested.

Anyone with information is asked to call Newton Aycliffe police on (01325) 314401.