Kesgrave shooting: All we know so far after school student, 15, shot on way to school
Residents in Kesgrave have been left shocked and shaken after a 15-year-old boy was shot on his way to school yesterday.
Here is all we know about the incident so far:
Police were called to the scene in Friends Walk at around 8.40am to reports of a shooting near the junction with Ropes Drive.
The victim was taken to Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, by air ambulance where he is being treated for serious injuries.
Kesgrave High School later confirmed that one of their Year 11 students had been involved in the incident.
Another 15-year-old boy was arrested in Westwood Avenue, Ipswich, just before 11am yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder.
He was taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre, where he remains, for questioning.
Yesterday evening, Suffolk Police said the shooting was being treated as an 'isolated incident' and that there was 'no wider threat' to the public.
But officers were present at Kesgrave High School when students left school at 3.20pm to 'reassure' the community.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Jones said: "Our immediate thoughts at this time are with the victim of this horrific incident and his family, who we are providing full support to.
"I understand this attack will have caused a great deal of alarm and distress to the people of Kesgrave and the surrounding area, but we are now satisfied that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the local community.
"Our priority is to keep everyone safe and I would like to stress that crimes such as this are extremely rare in Suffolk. This is an area with a number of schools nearby and going forward, parents should not be concerned about dropping off or collecting their children.
"However, there will be additional officers on patrol in Kesgrave to provide reassurance and I would encourage anyone with any concerns or information to speak to them.
"Finally, I once again urge anyone with information about this incident to contact us without delay.”
Residents in the town have also taken to social media to give their support to the victim.
One user said: "Thoughts are with the young lad that got shot this morning while walking to school in Kesgrave. What on earth is happening in this town?"
Another said she was 'shocked' by the incident and described Kesgrave as a 'lovely place'.
"Shocked at the school boy shooting minutes from where we live," she said. "I hope the young lad pulls through."
The Rt Rev Martin Seeley, Bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, also said he was 'utterly dismayed' by the news.
“My thoughts and prayers are for him, his family, the pupils, and staff of the school, and all the residents," he said.
“My prayers too are for the perpetrator, and their family, as we all seek answers for how such a terrible event could have happened.
“We are grateful for the speedy response of the medical team, and to the police in making an arrest.”
Meanwhile, Education Secretary Gavin Williamson told the House of Commons that they were "thinking of the whole school community at this very difficult time".
“I think we’re all shocked and saddened to learn about the incident in which a young person was seriously hurt on their way to school in Suffolk today.
“Our thoughts are very much with the young person, their family and the whole school community at this very difficult time.”
Friends Walk, Through Jollys and part of Ropes Drive were closed off immediately after the incident and remain closed while further investigations are carried out.
Members of the public are asked to avoid these areas as officers continue with their enquiries.
Any witnesses, or anyone with information about this incident, is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team, quoting reference: 52067/20.
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Read more: All the latest news from Kesgrave
