Two teenage girls were hospitalised after being shot with a BB gun at Cabot Circus in Bristol on Monday (12 February).
Three 14-year-old boys have been arrested in connection with numerous firearms-related incidents in the city centre.
At about 5.45pm, a group of boys were seen in the popular shopping centre in possession of a BB-type handgun.
The gun was reportedly fired, causing passers-by alarm.
Officers were deployed to search the area for the suspects, but nobody was located.
A couple of hours later, three teenage girls approached patrolling police officers and reported being fired at by a group of boys.
Two of the girls had pellet wounds and went to hospital for treatment.
Later a group of boys entered an independent convenience shop in Broad Quay and again a BB gun was fired. No one was hurt.
Officers arrested three 14-year-old boys at about 8.20pm — but were unable to locate the described weapon.
The boys – who were visiting the city from outside the Avon and Somerset policing area – have been released on bail with conditions not to come to Bristol pending further enquiries.
If you saw any of these incidents or have any other information which could help the police investigation, please call 101 and give the reference 5224037892.
Residents and shoppers are said to see an increased uniformed police presence in the city centre over the next few days as neighbourhood teams continue to carry out reassurance patrols.
