POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was shot in the face with an air weapon in Witley, near Godalming, last Friday afternoon. The 14-year-old local boy was walking with a friend through woodland by Roke Lane opposite Barrow Hills School, at around 3.30pm, when they heard a banging noise. He was taken to the Royal Surrey County Hospital with facial injuries and a pellet was found lodged in his neck close to his spinal cord. The boy was released from hospital on Sunday, with the pellet still in his neck, as there were concerns that if it was removed at this time there was a risk of possible paralysis. A group of approximately five youths were seen running from the scene. One is described as a white boy, aged around 16 or 17, of slim build, with dark hair and blond highlights. He was wearing a dark blue or purple coloured jumper. A second youth was wearing a black hooded top, white baseball cap and white trainers. They headed in the direction of the crossroads between Little London and Cramhurst Lane. West Surrey's Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brookes, said: "This was a serious incident which may have caused potentially life changing injuries for the victim and we are determined to find whoever is responsible. "We are keen to speak to the youths who ran from the scene or anyone else who witnessed the incident or has information about it. "We would also like to take the opportunity to reassure people that Surrey is the safest county for violent crime in England and incidents involving real firearms are very rare. "For this reason we are appealing directly to the community for their help." Anyone with information should contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting ref. C/07/13623 Or if you have information and wish to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
