Kesgrave shooting: Teenager arrested after boy, 15, seriously injured
A teenager has been arrested after a shooting in Kesgrave this morning which has left a 15-year-old boy seriously injured.
Police and an air ambulance were called to the scene in Friends Walk on the Grange Farm estate at about 8.40am.
The victim, who was shot as he was walking to school, was airlifted to Addenbrooke's Hospital, in Cambridge, where police said he was receiving urgent medical attention – this evening they confirmed he remains in a critical condition.
It comes after Kesgrave High School confirmed that one of its Year 11 pupils was involved in the incident.
Officers have arrested another 15-year-old boy, from the Woodbridge area, on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with the incident, and he has been taken into police custody for questioning at Martlesham Police Investigation Centre.
Police, who are providing support to the victim's family, said they are treating this as an isolated incident and there is no suggestion of a wider threat to the public.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Jones said the police force is hoping to reassure the public that incidents like this are "extremely rare" in Suffolk.
He 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."
Asst Chf Con Jones added they want anyone with information to come forward "without delay".
He said: "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.”
Meanwhile, the police force has urged people not to share images and videos of the incident on social media.
They said: "We are aware of some footage/imagery circulating on social media of this morning's incident at Kesgrave.
"We'd ask that circulation of such pictures and videos of the incident does not take place. Help us to keep you safe. Thank you."
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 and Through Jollys are currently closed off and there is a partial closure on Ropes Drive. Members of the public have been urged to avoid these areas.
Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to contact Suffolk Police on 101 quoting reference CAD 58 of September 7.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form www.crimestoppers-uk.org .
Were you in the area when this happened? Contact us by emailing suffolk@iliffepublishing.co.uk
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