A pensioner was hospitalised after being shot in the arm by a gang of teenagers wielding catapults in Cranbrook, Kent. The victim, in his 70s, was attacked on Waterloo Road at around 6.30pm on Tuesday 16 June, according to local reports.
Attack Details and Victim's Account
The suspects, described as aged between 16 and 18, fled towards The Hill area, known locally as The Crane. Officers spoke to the victim before he was taken to hospital. A local posted on Facebook: 'My dad is just so angry and frustrated that this group has been creating problems and damage around Cranbrook for some time and nothing seems to get done.'
'He will recover from his injuries. He did have to have a metal ball bearing about the size of a 5p piece removed from his arm by the doctors in A&E after it was embedded in his arm,' the post added.
Wider Concerns Across Kent
The incident follows a series of catapult-related attacks in towns and villages across the county. Tunbridge Wells resident Jo Lazzam told the BBC she had seen children firing at ducks, dogs and dog walkers. 'They've chased me with catapults and ball bearings,' she said. 'As I was running I felt wind by my ear as one went past. I heard another one hit a bush, luckily I wasn't actually hit.'
'If they actually get you in the eye, it'll blind you. You will lose your eye,' she added. 'They are an extremely dangerous weapon.'
Legal Status and Police Response
Catapults are generally legal in the UK if used responsibly, but they can be treated as offensive weapons if carried in public without good reason or used to harm people, animals or property. Kent Police recorded an average of 14 offences a day linked to catapults last year.
Supt Rob Marsh said: 'Kent Police is aware of concerns about the use of catapults to damage property or target wildlife and we are determined to tackle those who are responsible.'
'While it is not currently illegal to possess one, if an officer suspects a catapult has been used to commit a crime, if appropriate, the person possessing it will be arrested and the weapon, along with any projectiles such as ball bearings, will be seized and destroyed.'
'I would urge anyone with information about the misuse of catapults to report it,' he added.
