Woodland reopens after boy, 11, grazed by gun

Woodland cordoned off by police for five days after an 11-year-old boy was grazed on the head when a gun he found went off accidentally has reopened.

Two boys found what they thought was a BB gun, but has now been confirmed as a a pistol, in a wooded area behind Wadhurst Gardens in Weston, Southampton, on Tuesday evening.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said after taking it back to their home nearby the weapon was accidentally fired.

Numerous police cordons were placed across footpaths leading to the woodland off the housing estate while police searches were carried out. They have since been lifted.

The force said: "We want to thank local residents and people who regularly use the woodland for their patience and understanding while this work has been conducted, we realise the disruption this has caused people but has been vitally important.

"Our investigation remains ongoing at this time in relation to the firearm recovered."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area and those with information are being urged to speak to police.