Two held after 11 pupils shot by airgun

Five girls and six boys were injured in the shootings in Auchinleck, East Ayrshire, yesterday afternoon and needed medical treatment for minor injuries. One pupil remained in Crosshouse Hospital, near Kilmarnock, last night.

Officers were called to reports that an airgun had been fired in the town, near Auchinleck Academy, at around 1.40pm.

Chief Supt John Thompson said those targeted were between 12 and 16 and were struck by pellets, mainly on their legs and torsos.

Two teenagers, aged 15 and 18, are in police custody.

Chief Supt Thomson, divisional commander for Ayrshire, said: “We received a number of reports of people being shot by what is believed to be an airgun in Church Street, Old Avenue, Stoner Crescent and Lambfair Gardens in Auchinleck.

“Police attended at the nearby school and found that nine pupils had been injured. It was then established that a further two people, who were not pupils, had also been injured.

“As a result, four people were taken to Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock and another person was taken to Ayr Hospital. All were treated for what would appear to be minor injuries to their legs and torso and have since been released. The six other people received first aid at the school.”

Mr Thomson dismissed reports the shootings were retaliation for violent clashes at a local derby football match, adding: “I believe that they were random victims and in no way was this a targeted attack. I am certain that this was an isolated incident and that, without underplaying the gravity of the incident, people in the area should be reassured that the police are doing everything they can to catch those responsible.

Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell said: “The Scottish Government is in contact with both Strathclyde Police and East Ayrshire Council about what happened, and Ministers are being kept fully informed. Responsibility for air weapons is to be transferred from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament, and action will follow.”