Shot toddler, two, stable in hospital after air gun shooting

A two-year boy shot in the neck with an air rifle was critical but stable in hospital today.

The toddler was hurt when the gun was fired in his family home in Winthorpe, Skegness, in Lincolnshire.

His 29-year-old father, who was arrested after Monday's incident, was released on bail to be by his son's bedside, Lincs Police said.

It is believed the person who fired the gun did not know it was loaded.

The child was initially taken to Skegness Hospital but was later transferred to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester, where he underwent surgery to remove the air rifle pellet from his neck.

A spokeswoman said: "Glenfield Hospital have confirmed that the child is critical but stable following surgery.

"The boy's father, who has been interviewed by police at Skegness, has been released on police bail to be with his son at the hospital."