A 47-year-old man has been arrested after two boys were shot with an air rifle while playing football near a West Sussex primary school.

The youngsters, aged 11 and 12, were struck with air gun pellets just after 12pm on Thursday while playing on open ground in Oak Way near Northgate Primary School in Crawley.

The younger boy was hit in the arm and had to be taken to hospital for treatment.

Meanwhile, the 12-year-old was hit in the leg.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: “Police made immediate inquiries and a 47-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and of firing an air weapon in public.

“He is currently in custody for interview and further inquiries.

“Officers seized an air rifle at a local address for examination.”

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