Parents' fear and worry as 10 people 'shot at' on residential Nottingham roads

Patrols have been increased in both areas in Bestwood and Sherwood

Nottingham parents have expressed their shock and concern after 10 people were shot at with a BB gun in two city suburbs. An investigation has been launched following the incidents, which took place on Wednesday, October 16, between 5.40pm and 7.25pm on Beckhampton Road, Bestwood, and Winchester Street, Sherwood.

Two victims were hit to their leg and hand during an incident on Beckhampton Road. A pedestrian at the junction of Beckhampton Road and Bestwood Park Drive was then reportedly shot in the face.

Just after this, four people were reportedly shot at by a BB gun from a moving vehicle in Winchester Street. No serious injuries were reported following the incidents, which remain under investigation.

Parents have now spoken out about their worries following the incidents. A mother living on Beckhampton Road, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "I hadn't heard about this but it's shocking because I have two kids aged 16 and 13.

"My 16-year-old walks to school, he doesn't take the bus so it's scary. The crime level on this road is quite low but the area is getting a bit crowded because of all the new builds so it's a bit concerning.

"They're always out doing stuff because they're teenagers so I need to have a discussion with them." Another parent, who is a shop owner on Beckhampton Road, added: "I saw reports there was a BB gun shooting around Sherwood but didn't realise it was on Beckhampton Road as well.

"I told my son last night to be careful because of what I heard about Sherwood. It's not the same around here anymore.

"It reminds me more of Hyson Green because you always get people sitting out here, begging. It's scary because you just don't know. Who in their right mind would do that?"

Nottinghamshire Police said on Thursday, October 17, that patrols have been increased in both areas as a result of the incident. City residents living around Winchester Street have also expressed their concerns.

A neighbour living on Mansfield Road in Sherwood said: "It's scary especially because I heard it was kids who were targeted. It's worrying because they haven't found the [person] yet and those guns can still cause some damage, it's ridiculous around here.

"I hate it. I've been attacked on my doorstep, been broken into twice, found a knife in my garden and I see drug dealers all the time."

Another resident, who also wished to keep his identity private due to fear of being targeted, said: "The area has gone downhill a bit because of the shops.

"It's all charity shops that they seem to open. They seem to have neglected it a bit, Sherwood used to be so nice. What happened on Wednesday is awful. There's no police presence around here. I think people are also reluctant to report things."

Another neighbour added: "I saw it on the news, of course it's scary. You don't know where they're going to shoot you. I think it's usually pretty quiet around here but you never know."

In a statement released on Thursday, Detective Sergeant Nigel Malik, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "We are treating these incidents extremely seriously and are doing everything we can to trace those involved. Patrols have been increased in these areas while we continue with our lines of inquiry."

It is currently believed a dark-coloured car may have been involved in the incidents as police check CCTV and doorbell camera footage. Anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 553 of October 16, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.