11-year-old boy grazed in head after firing found pistol in Southampton woods

An 11-year-old boy was shot in the head after discovering a firearm in woods in Southampton, Hampshire, on April 7. Believing the weapon to be a BB gun, he and another boy took it home and fired it once, resulting in a graze to the boy's head.

The incident occurred when the boys found the gun, which was later confirmed to be a pistol, near Wadhurst Gardens. Hampshire Constabulary received the alert just before 5:30 PM. Emergency services promptly responded, and the injured boy was assessed for his injuries, which fortunately did not result in serious harm.

This event highlights the potential dangers related to firearms that may be accessible in public areas. Authorities urge vigilance in monitoring children's activities, especially in regions where weapons can be easily found. The police are likely to conduct further investigation into how the gun ended up in the wooded area.

Hampshire Constabulary has not released the identity of the boy or his companion, in line with legal protocols regarding minors involved in such incidents.

In previous incidents, misunderstandings involving firearms and children's activities have led to injuries, emphasizing the ongoing need for safety education concerning weapon handling and identification.

As police inquiries continue, parents are advised to remain vigilant about where their children play and to educate them about the differences between toys and real firearms.

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