A SPANISH ex-military police officer spoke today of his outrage as he saw a woman shot in a lunch-time attack by a city centre sniper in York.

Police are hunting a youth who fired an air gun pellet, hitting his victim in the leg.

She was taken to York District Hospital yesterday after first-aiders at her British Telecom workplace had treated her.

Spanish tourist and former military police officer Antonio Baraken, 41, was close to the woman when she was shot.

He claimed he saw some youths at the Stonebow car park with a gun and claimed that when police arrived they did not take firm enough action.

Mr Baraken said: "I was walking past and saw the youths with a gun and saw the girl get shot in the leg.

"I reported it to police, but they just sent a foot patrol who interviewed the boys and let them go.

"He said he had interviewed the boys but there was no gun so he let them go.

"I am angry that the police did not act properly. I think they should have reacted instantly and I am shocked at what they did.

"Firing a gun is very serious and in a country like this it should be taken more seriously."

Police say they are treating the matter very seriously and are doing everything possible to catch those responsible.

The officer dealing with the case, PC Ian Dyer, said the youths he searched had no weapon with them and did not fit the description of the offenders he had received from other witnesses.

He added that a short time after the shooting, at 12.30pm yesterday, four youths were seen with an air weapon in Peter Lane, but they were frightened away by an office worker.

PC Dyer said: "We are searching for the people who carried out this mindless act and are treating it very seriously.

A spokesman for BT said the victim of the shooting works in their customer service centre.

Anybody with any information is asked to contact PC Dyer on 01904 631321.

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