Dorking airgun sniper hunted

By nle marie nicole le marie nicole.lemarie@essnmedia.co.uk

Police are hunting a gunman who shot at a van in Dorking over Christmas.

Someone used an airgun to shoot at a white Ford Transit van parked in Oak Ridge, Dorking.

Shots were fired at the van a number of times, sometime between 2.30pm on December 24 and 9am on December 29.

The shots made dents in the side vehicle and a window was smashed on the passenger side.

The incident shocked residents.

Sophia Fairweather, a resident of nearby Rushett Drive, said: "I remember hearing loud bangs on about three occasions. I just assumed they were fireworks.

"I can't believe someone would do that around here.

"It is really worrying to think that someone has been shooting – a lot of people around here have children."

Jim Bills, who has lived on Oak Ridge for about two years, said: "I didn't hear anything.

"We have kids so it is worrying if they are shooting cars. What are they going to target next?"

One mother with two small children who did not want to be named said: "It is worrying with my two daughters running around. I have never heard of there being shots around here before.

"I hope it doesn't happen again."

Jenny Howe, chairwoman of the Neighbourhood Watch in the area, said: "No one has informed us about it. A few months ago I heard there was a BB gun incident.

"But it is very unusual to hear of an airgun being used around here."

John Tadman, Mole Valley neighbourhood inspector, said: "This is a very serious offence and we are determined to deal with the people responsible."

Police are appealing for witnesses and are urging anyone who knows someone who owns an air weapon in the Goodwyns area, to call 0845 125 2222.