A CHILD needed hospital treatment after being shot in the hand with an air weapon.

Two children aged between 11 and 15 were playing in woods on Sunday evening (June 21) when police believe an air weapon was fired by one of two men nearby.

The children fled the area, with one feeling pain in his hand.

He later discovered an injury and was taken to hospital, where a pellet was removed from one of his fingers.

The incident happened in woods near Western Avenue, Esh Winning, County Durham, between 6pm and 7.30pm on Sunday.

Durham Police are appealing to anyone with information on the incident to call 101 and speak to PC 1973 Watson.