Swindon shooting: Man in custody after boy, 17, shot in the head

The teenager was shot in Odstock Road in Penhill at about 00:30 BST

Two men have been arrested after a teenage boy was shot in the head, police said.

A 17-year-old sustained potentially life-changing injuries in Odstock Road, Penhill, Swindon, at about 00:30 BST.

A 27-year-old-man, arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm, remains in police custody.

A man, 42, arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, has since been released.

The teenager was flown to hospital by air ambulance after what Wiltshire Police said it believed was a targeted attack.

There is not thought to be any threat to the wider public, the force added.

Supt Phil Staynings urged the public to "be brave" and get in touch with any information, including checking CCTV, dashcam or doorbell camera footage overnight from 23 to 24 April.

The boy was airlifted to John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford

Wiltshire Police Det Ch Insp Charlotte Tucker said: "This attack has left a young man with serious injuries and he is currently undergoing hospital treatment.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Wiltshire Air Ambulance confirmed it was called to Swindon at 00:26 BST and took the patient to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

'Redouble our efforts'

Wiltshire police and crime commissioner, Philip Wilkinson, said while he understood "the deep concern and shock" residents may be feeling, he would like to "reassure them" that there is not believed to be a threat to the wider public.

"However, we must also be aware that this is the second incident involving firearms in a short space of time and we need to redouble our efforts to address the underlying cause of the problem before it gets out of hand," he said.

"Clearly, my thoughts are with the injured boy and his family and it's important that we keep them at the forefront of our minds", added Mr Wilkinson.

Wiltshire Police said the 42-year-old man had been released with no further action.