Teenage cyclist shot in the eye in Dagenham

Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenage cyclist was shot in the eye by a group of youths playing with an air riffle.

The 13-year-old boy was treated at Moorfields Eye Hospital in north London after being hit by a pellet at Old Dagenham Park on August 21.

Police said he had now recovered and was back at school.

The Met stressed the injury, in his left eye, was not thought to have been caused deliberately but would like to speak to three youths seen in Siviter Way at the time.

A spokesman said: “The boy was riding his bike with his two friends and was injured as he passed a group of three Asian boys aged 15 to 17 who were playing with an air rifle.

“Although this injury is not thought to have been caused intentionally, police are keen to know the identity of the owners of the air rifle.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.