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Police investigating catapult incidents

An elderly couple were left injured and shaken after being fired at with a catapult in a series of attacks in Ashford.

Police are investigating the reports, and believe the latest incidents may be linked to a number of reports of stones being thrown at buses, causing windows to shatter or smash.

On Sunday, the couple were sitting on a bench near the basketball courts in Victoria Park, Jemmett Road, when they were fired at by three boys with what appeared to be a catapult.

A catapult. Library image.
A catapult. Library image.

Sergeant Jasmine Bloomfield said: "A stone hit the man’s head, causing a cut, and another stone hit his wife’s arm.

"They were understandably upset by the incident."

The three boys were described as aged 15 or 16.

Two were on mountain bikes, the third was on a BMX.

One was described as chubby with ginger hair, the second had short, dark brown hair and the third was wearing a grey hooded top and had mousey hair.

There has been a series of incidents involving catapults. Library image.
There has been a series of incidents involving catapults. Library image.

Earlier that afternoon, shortly before 3pm, four boys were reported to have been firing a catapult in Tannery Lane, Ashford.

One was described as wearing a green fishing jacket and blue joggers. Another was wearing a blue Ellesse top. The other two had bikes.

Police were also alerted to a report of four boys with a catapult in a fast food restaurant in High Street just before 1pm on Monday, January 9.

Sergeant Bloomfield said: "These individuals may think firing stones from a catapult is a bit of fun, but it can clearly cause both damage and injury.

"We are keen to trace the youngsters who are doing this as their actions are extremely dangerous and they need to be stopped."

Anyone who witnessed any of the incidents or recognises the descriptions is asked to call police on 01843 222289, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference ZY/000985/17.

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