Police today warned parents that they would take tough action against children found misusing potentially dangerous airguns.

The warning follows the shock shooting of a nine-year-old boy in Thurrock. He was today still recovering at home from the ordeal of having a pellet removed from his chest.

The young victim was playing with friends in the playground of Little Thurrock school, Rectory Road, Grays, when he was wounded by an air rifle was fired from a nearby property.

A 15-year-old was arrested soon after the incident and was released on police bail.

The nine-year-old was the third youngster to have been injured in air rifle shootings in the area in the last two weeks.

Det Insp Ian Stevenson, of Grays police, said parents should be mindful of the damage such weapons can cause.

He said: "Parents must ensure they are not misused."

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