TWO youths suspected of shooting a woman with an airgun in a York street have been arrested by police.

Officers are now thanking the local community who they say provided vital information about the incident in Acomb, which led to the two young men being arrested.

The pair have since been charged with offences of wounding, assault, three counts of criminal damage and a firearms offence. They have been bailed and are due to appear before York Youth Courts.

The incident happened in March when the victim, a 52-year-old local woman, was walking along Gale Lane. She had turned the corner from Front Street when she was struck in the head with a pellet from the airgun.

She sustained superficial injuries to her head and was taken to York Hospital for treatment before being released later the same day.

A nearby vehicle was also damaged with pellets from the gun.

Police Sergeant Lindsey Robson said: “Although the victim was not seriously injured, it was understandably shocking for her.”

She said the arrests were made following local appeals, information gathering and house to house enquires. She said: “Their arrests were in large part due to the help and co-operation of local residents and the safer neighbourhood team would like to pass on our thanks and gratitude to them.

“We hope these arrests provide reassurance to the local community that we will listen to information given to us and act on that information.”

Anyone who wants to report a crime should contact their local Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0845 60 60 247 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.