POLICE are seeking information from the public after a boy of 11 was shot in the ribcage by a ball-bearing gun.

The victim was playing on the green off Cornwallis Avenue, Gillingham, when he was approached by three teenage boys.

One of them is said to have shown the 11-year-old the gun and then shot him. The other boys then ran off.

The 11-year-old suffered a small bruise. He did not require hospital treatment.

The incident occurred in an area known as Green Fields, between 4.15pm and 4.30pm on Saturday, September 1.

Det Con Simon Hollingsworth said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in Green Fields at around the time of the incident, in particular those who saw the group of teenage boys.

"The people responsible for this assault may have felt that their bullying antics were just a few minutes of fun, but the boy has been greatly affected by this incident. Their actions were totally unacceptable and Kent Police will not tolerate such antisocial behaviour."

Police have description of two of the boys they would like to speak to. One is white, thouyght to be aged between 15 and 16, around 5ft 7in tall and of stocky build. He had short black hair and wore an ‘Air Max’ hooded tracksuit.

The other boy is said to be white, also aged between 15 and 16 and around 5ft 7in tall. He is of thin build and had had short black hair. He was wearing a black hooded top with a rhino logo on the front and matching bottoms that had yellow lines down the side.

If you can help the police with this investigation, contact Det Con Hollingsworth at Medway police station on 01634 792143. Alternatively contact Kent CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111, your call is free and you do not have to give your name.