Mother ‘thought gun suspect was at school’

THE mother of a teenager suspected of shooting a 15-year-old friend said she thought he had been at school, as police charged a youth over the attack.

Detectives investigating the shooting said they had recovered a “longbarrelled gun” thought to have been used to critically injure the schoolboy at around 8.40am on Monday in the Ipswich suburb of Kesgrave.

A youth was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder around two hours after the shooting. Armed police officers had found him in a garden close to where his grandfather is understood to run an Ipswich building design consultancy.

The boy, also aged 15, from the Woodbridge area, was charged with attempted murder and firearms offences last night. He was remanded in custody and will appear via video link before Norwich magistrates’ court today.

The mother of the suspect told The

Sun: “It’s obviously serious. I’m shocked, I thought my boy was at school. I just don’t know anything about the boy who has been shot, so I’m just worried sick. I’m waiting for the police to come round. I haven’t been able to speak to my son, I haven’t been able to see him.”

Senior officers said they had ruled out organised crime or gangland connections. There is speculation the attack may have taken place as a result of an argument or dispute.

The gun was recovered from inside a car matching the description of the one seen leaving the crime scene. The vehicle was seized at the time of the arrest.

The victim suffered a single gunshot to the head and underwent 90 minutes of first aid before being flown to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.

Senior officers said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attack, but said a high police presence would remain in the area to provide reassurance for residents.