AN eight-year-old youngster needed emergency surgery after being shot in the face last night.
The youngster was hit as he played with older children on a recreation ground in Thornaby, Teesside.
Police said the weapon used was an air pistol or rifle.
The youngster was taken to hospital and under went surgery to his face.
A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "We are taking this incident very seriously. It could so easily have resulted in much more serious injuries."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article