A pensioner has been left in hospital after being shot by a gang of teenagers armed with catapults in a market town gripped by growing fears over youth violence. The victim, a man in his 70s, was struck in the arm on a busy high street in Cranbrook, Kent, during a shocking incident that has sparked fresh concern among residents. Police have now launched an appeal for witnesses after five young people allegedly fired catapults towards the pensioner at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, June 16. The suspects are described as being aged between 16 and 18. After the incident, they reportedly ran away towards The Hill area, known locally as The Crane. Officers attended the scene on Waterloo Road and spoke to the injured victim before he was taken to hospital for treatment. The full extent of his injuries emerged in a social media post from a local resident, who said the victim was their father. The post revealed that doctors in A&E had to remove a metal ball bearing embedded in the man's arm. The projectile was described as being about the size of a 5p piece. The resident said their father was angry and frustrated, claiming the same group had been causing problems and damage around Cranbrook for some time. The alarming attack comes amid wider concerns about catapult-related incidents across Kent, where towns and villages have reportedly been targeted by groups using the weapons. Residents have increasingly voiced fears about the dangers posed by catapults and ball bearings being used in public spaces. One such resident, Tunbridge Wells woman Jo Lazzam, described her own frightening experiences while speaking to the BBC. She said she had witnessed children firing catapults at ducks, dogs and dog walkers. Lazzam also claimed she had personally been chased by youngsters carrying catapults and ball bearings. "As I was running I felt wind by my ear as one went past," she said. "I heard another one hit a bush, luckily I wasn't actually hit." Her warning was stark. "If they actually get you in the eye, it'll blind you. You will lose your eye," she said. "They are an extremely dangerous weapon." Although catapults are generally legal to own and use responsibly in the UK, they can be treated as offensive weapons if carried in public without good reason or used to harm people, animals or property. The latest figures underline the scale of the problem facing authorities. Kent Police recorded an average of 14 offences linked to catapults every day last year. Superintendent Rob Marsh said officers were aware of growing public concern about catapults being used to damage property and target wildlife. He said the force was determined to tackle those responsible. Marsh stressed that while possession of a catapult is not currently illegal, officers can arrest individuals if they suspect the weapon has been used to commit a crime. He added that any catapults and projectiles, including ball bearings, could be seized and destroyed. Police are now urging anyone with information about the Cranbrook incident, or the misuse of catapults more generally, to come forward as investigations continue. The hunt for the teenage suspects remains ongoing as officers seek witnesses and further evidence following the attack on the pensioner. Gang of teens fire catapults at pensioner putting him in hospital
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