Boy, 11, Survives Head Shot After Mistaking Real Pistol for BB Gun in Southampton Woods
An 11-year-old schoolboy has miraculously escaped serious injury after accidentally shooting himself in the head with a real pistol that he and a friend mistook for a harmless BB gun. The shocking incident occurred in a wooded area near Tickleford Drive in Weston, Southampton, on April 7, leaving the boy with nothing more than a graze to his head.
Police Launch Intensive Investigation Following Near Miss
Hampshire Constabulary confirmed that the two boys discovered the deadly weapon in the woods and brought it home, believing it was a BB pistol—a type of play gun that typically shoots pellets instead of bullets. Once at an address in Wadhurst Gardens, the gun was accidentally discharged, with the bullet striking the 11-year-old in the head. Remarkably, he walked away with only minor injuries.
Police were alerted to the situation just before 5:30 PM on the evening of the incident and were taken to the area where the gun was found by the children themselves. Chief Inspector Chris Douglas, deputy district commander for Southampton, stated that investigators rushed to the scene and have been conducting thorough searches and enquiries in the two days since.
"As soon as this incident was reported to us on Tuesday, our teams were swiftly in attendance and have been carrying out thorough enquiries and searches in the area since," said Chief Inspector Douglas. "We know that our scenes will have disrupted people's normal daily routines, and we want to thank local residents for their patience as we carry out our investigation."
Ongoing Police Presence and Community Concerns
Parts of the nearby Westwood Nature Reserve have remained cordoned off for days, with police maintaining a presence at the scene. Investigative teams are currently carrying out house-to-house inquiries and patrols in the area. Police have clarified that it was the boy who was not injured who actually fired the gun, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
Chief Inspector Douglas emphasized the seriousness of such firearms, noting: "These kinds of firearms are often used to threaten people, and cause serious harm, and we are committed to tackling and disrupting serious criminal activity." He also praised the quick actions of the boys and their families in reporting the matter promptly, which allowed police to begin their enquiries without delay.
Locals who may have concerns or questions about the incident have been encouraged to speak with officers who remain on the scene. "Our teams remain in the area today, and will be conducting patrols and house to house enquiries, if you do have any concerns or questions, then please do not hesitate to speak with them," Douglas added.
Miraculous Escape and Broader Safety Implications
The boy received treatment for the graze to his head following the gun discharge, and his survival has been described as nothing short of miraculous. This incident highlights critical issues around gun safety and the dangers of children encountering real firearms, especially when mistaken for toys.
Police continue to comb the wooded area where the gun was found, and the investigation remains active. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as authorities work to ensure such a near-tragedy does not occur again.
