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Teynham terrorised by air rifle-weilding thugs shooting pigeons near Lynsted Lane

Two men roaming the streets with a large air rifle have left villagers living in fear after they were spotted shooting at people, pigeons, cars and houses.

Those living in Teynham and Lynsted, near Sittingbourne, have been left “extremely concerned” after the gun-wielding thugs were seen firing in the area during the school run.

Julien Speed, the Conservative councillor for Teynham and Lynsted, said: “I’ve been informed of two men going around Teynham and Lynsted Lane shooting pigeons off rooftops.

“Myself and other members of the village have reported it to the police and I am keen for officers to begin investigating the situation.

“Someone has also claimed that their car had been shot at while they were driving towards Sittingbourne.

“They’re aiming at the sky, bushes and pigeons at the moment but this can escalate.

“People in the village have come to me and expressed their concerns. I am also extremely concerned and I want the police to sort this out and put a stop to it.

Two men have been caught on CCTV walking around Teynham, Sittingbourne, with an air rifle
Two men have been caught on CCTV walking around Teynham, Sittingbourne, with an air rifle

“If you observe this happening please try and take photographic and video evidence that will help us report this to the police.“

Cllr Speed has confirmed that the ward’s police officer, PC Jones, has compiled a crime report for possession of an air weapon in a public place and progress is being made on the identification of the suspects.

He said: “I have provided her with CCTV footage sent to me by a Lynsted resident which she says is the clearest she’s seen and will be used in evidence.”

The police confirmed they were first made aware of the individuals on Monday, July 17.

A spokesman said: “We were called to a report of two teenagers carrying what looked like a rifle in London Road, Teynham. Officers attended and conducted a thorough area search but found no suspects matching the description given. The local beat officer is aware and an investigation into the circumstances is underway.”

A man pictured with an air rifle in Teynham
A man pictured with an air rifle in Teynham

Despite the police’s involvement in the case residents in the village still feel unsafe.

One person, who lives near Station Road, said: “At 9am on Monday, July 17, I went to walk my dogs.

“A neighbour informed me she had just seen two men shooting at my house and my neighbours.

“She told me they had walked towards the A2. When I returned from my walk I saw the men returning back down Station Road, one of them had the gun in his hands.

“He stopped at the junction of Station Road and New Gardens and started firing the gun into a tree in someone’s garden.

“I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

Other people have taken to Facebook to share their shock at the situation.

One posted: “There were two morons wandering around with the air rifle this morning.

“Given their flagrant disregard for authority, and sheer ignorance of walking around in daylight brandishing, and firing, this weapon, how long before they start firing it at pets or people?

“They should both now be suspects for firearms offences, and if seen could/should be arrested, whether in possession of the air weapon or not before they cause any more harm.”

Two men have been seen shooting at pigeons, people, cars and houses in Teynham
Two men have been seen shooting at pigeons, people, cars and houses in Teynham

Parents of children attending the nearby Teynham Primary School also expressed their concern.

One commented: “What?!! This happened at 9am, that was school run time!”

Another said: “The school should absolutely have been made aware.”

KentOnline contacted the school for comment but they were unaware of the situation.

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