Witnesses to murder attempt sought

2:29pm Friday 16th May 2008

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TWO people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection with an incident in which two males were injured in Lipson Road, Cheltenham, during the night of Monday, May 12.

A 20-year-old man and 16-year-old boy, both from Cheltenham, are currently being questioned by police.

The victims of the attack, a 34-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, both from Cheltenham, had been walking in the road at around 10pm when they were struck by projectiles fired from a passing car.

Both victims were struck by several pellets and sustained face and head wounds as a result.

The car from which the projectiles were fired, believed to be a white Subaru Impreza, drove away from the scene at speed. This vehicle was closely followed by a second car, thought to be a blue Vauxhall Vectra.

Following the attack, both victims were taken to Cheltenham General Hospital by ambulance for treatment. Their injuries were not considered serious, and they were discharged in the early hours of Tuesday.

Both victims refused to speak to police or to co-operate with the police investigation.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact Cheltenham police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting incident number 662 of Monday May 12.

Superintendent Neil Mantle, of Cheltenham police, said: "This was an extremely serious incident of a type we see only rarely in Gloucestershire.

"Obviously, we need to trace those responsible for this crime as quickly as possible, and I would appeal to anyone who heard or saw anything in the area of Lipson Road around the time of the offence to get in touch."