By Daniel Wood
A 12-year-old boy has been seriously injured following a shooting at a community centre in Huddersfield.
Police were called at 7:15 pm with reports of a disturbance at the Northfield Hall Community Centre in Sheepridge, Huddersfield.
A number of minutes later, a 12-year-old boy was rushed into hospital with injuries consistent of a gunshot.
The boy remains in hospital with serious injuries. Luckily, the injuries are not considered life-threatening.
A parent told Yorkshire Live: “My daughter was in there doing gymnastics at the time.
“It was very frightening for us parents while the police decided it was safe for them to come out.”
A BMW believed to have been used by the suspects to flee the scene of the shooting was later found burned out nearby.
Barry Sheerman, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Huddersfield, wrote on Twitter: “Deeply disturbed by the news of a young boy having been shot in Huddersfield, the police must hunt down the perpetrators with every resource they possess.”
The Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are continuing their enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Rolfe said: “This level of violence is clearly a cause for concern, especially given the age of the victim and that it happened at a community centre.
“Extensive enquiries are underway by a team of specialist detective in the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.
“Our local neighbourhood policing teams will be maintaining a visible policing presence to offer reassurance to communities.
“I would appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone who has any information to contact officers.
“Those involved showed no regard for the public’s safety and it is imperative that anyone with information on who carried out this attack contacts police.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 13200126809.
Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.