A TEENAGER has been maimed for life after she lost the sight in an eye in an airgun attack.

Nicola Distin, 15, was left screaming in agony when a pellet went through her eyelid and lodged itself in her skull.

The schoolgirl was out with friends on Friday night when she felt a sudden sharp pain in her left eye.

She clutched her face and fell to the ground as shocked friends ran to help.

She thought she had been the victim of a brick attack, and it was only when she was rushed to Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary that x-rays revealed she had been shot.

The teenager has been told that she has lost the use of her eye after the attack.

Nicola said: "I just felt this terrible pain in my eye and there was blood everywhere.

"All I could hear was the sound of people laughing and running away. They seemed to think it was funny."

The attack happened on Gateshead's Leam Lane estate at about 9.30pm.

Nicola's parents, Sandra, 41, and stepfather David Brundell, hoped the pictures of Nicola's injuries might lead to the attacker being caught.

Shop worker Sandra said: "I can't believe this has happened. She is in a terrible state, she is weeping all the time. It is really starting to hit home what has happened."

Mechanic David said: "I can't believe anyone can just go out and buy these things."

Eye surgeon Dr James Talks said: "This injury is all too common an example of the type of damage that can be caused these weapons."

Detective Sergeant Ian Benson said: "I would urge anyone thinking of buying these weapons as presents to look at the consequences they can cause.