Woman, 18, fighting for life in hospital after being 'blasted in the chest with a sawn-off shotgun'

A teenage girl shot in the chest with a sawn-off shotgun remains in a critical condition today.

The shooting took place on Hughes Avenue, Wolverhampton, West Midlands just after 4.15pm yesterday.

Armed police swooped on the street and cordoned off the area with an air ambulance also called. 

Forensics and firearms officers recovered a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges from a rucksack hidden in a bush in parts of Walford Avenue, just a street away from where the shooting took place.  

Today, neighbours shared their shock after the shooting. 

Armed police swooped on the street yesterday in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, cordoning off the area with an air ambulance also called

Forensics and firearms officers recovered a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges from a rucksack in a bush in and parts of Walford Avenue, just a street away from where the shooting took place

A spokesman for West Midlands Police yesterday said: ‘We’re investigating after a woman was found with gunshot injuries in Hughes Avenue, Wolverhampton, just before 4.15pm today’

One neighbour, a resident on Hughes Avenue who didn’t want to be named, said: ‘The police found the gun in some bushes and that’s where our children play.

‘It’s disgusting because if the police hadn’t found it and our kids went and played in that part, what on earth would have happened?

‘I don’t even want to think about it.

‘It’s horrible what’s happened especially if she’s young.’

Another lady out walking with her two daughters explained how she felt scared to be in the close now. She said: ‘I feel very scared after what’s happened.

‘It’s just scary that it was so close to us. I have two daughters as well which makes it even more nerve wracking as we live on the same street.

‘I’m shocked by what’s happened and just hope the young girl is okay.’ 

Detectives were seen making door to door enquiries while police forensics officers photographed Hughes Avenue and examined a vehicle with its boot open. 

‘I think the ambulances turned up around 4pm and then it just went mad.

‘But I don’t know the girl and I didn’t hear the gun shot either. It’s just frightening what’s happened.’

Another neighbour out walking their dog by the cordon said: ‘We never heard anything, no shots or anything until the helicopters turned up and all the blue flashing lights from the emergency services.

‘But this street is usually quiet.

Today, neighbours shared their shock after the shooting which saw police rush to the scene

‘For it to happen to a young girl like that it’s just shocking.’

‘This street is usually quiet and is lovely but we have had issues with that one house before.

‘Apparently people came out from across the road and were trying to get her help and call an ambulance for her as well.

‘But I know the police have some of the streets cordoned off still and have been searching in the bushes just down the road.

‘It’s just absolutely horrific, my daughter was scared to sleep in her own bed last night because of all of this.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: ‘We’re investigating after a woman was found with gunshot injuries in Hughes Avenue, Wolverhampton, just before 4.15pm today.

‘The woman, believed to be in her late teens, has been taken to hospital with chest injuries.

‘Officers are currently on the scene as we seek to establish the circumstances. Anyone with information can contact us via Live Chat, or by calling 101, and quoting log 2814 of 3 April.’