A TEENAGER is recovering after being shot in the stomach by an air rifle.

Wayne Browne, 15, had been playing with friends near a farm in Jarrow, South Tyneside, when the incident happened.

The teenager collapsed after the pellet pierced his stomach muscles.

He had to be helped home by friends before being taken to South Tyneside General Hospital, where he underwent an hour-long operation to remove the pellet.

Police have no descriptions of those responsible, but are trying to trace two youths who were in the area.

Wayne's parents, Daniel and Michelle Browne, are now caring for their son at home after his release from hospital.

Mr Browne, 32, said: "These people walking around with air rifles should know these weapons kill.

"Wayne just felt a thud, fell to the ground in a heap and had to be brought home by his friends. He was in terrible pain."

Inspector Mick Dwyer said: "We must stress, in the most powerful terms, that a powerful weapon was used in the attack and we could have been looking at a fatality.

"We would warn shopkeepers about their responsibilities when selling these wea-pons, and warn parents to be aware of what their children are getting up to."