Boy, 10, held after eight-year-old shot

A 10-year-old boy was arrested in the UK today on suspicion of wounding after an eight-year-old was shot.

The younger boy remains seriously ill in hospital.

Staff at South Tyneside District Hospital contacted police at 1pm today informing them that a child had been admitted with a gunshot wound.

The incident is thought to have taken place at the West Pastures travellers’ site in Follinsby Lane, Boldon, Tyne and Wear.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said detectives were investigating the incident but that inquiries were at a very early stage.

“The scene has been cordoned off and officers are working to establish the exact sequence of events,” he said.

It is not yet known how the boy was injured or with what weapon, the spokesman said.

Superintendent Jim Napier said: “This incident is in its very early stages. We are working with the hospital, the boy’s family, and residents of the site to establish the facts.

“Anyone with information should contact South Tyneside CID.”