Gun victim goes home

A shooting victim who was blasted as he fled from a gunman in Rugeley was released from hospital today, as two men remained in custody helping police.

The 25-year-old was walking with a woman, aged 26, along a pathway on the Pear Tree estate in the early hours when the attacker emerged from bushes. The couple fled in terror but the man was shot.

Two local men are being quizzed over the attack which happened at around 12.30am yesterday at a path known as The Stumps.

The firearm used has not yet been recovered. Forensic investigations are ongoing and officers are also carrying out public reassurance calls at homes on the estate, where residents have spoken of their shock.

Karl Allen and Josie Collins, both aged 19, recently moved into their home on Queensway with a three-month-old baby.

Miss Collins said she heard a sound like a door slamming shut at around the time of the shooting. She said: "I just thought it was one of our doors so I got up and checked them and never thought anything of it. I am a bit scared about it really; we don't get things like this in Rugeley."

Mark Davis, aged 34, a prisoner officer at Swinfen Hall, near Lichfield, lives just yards from the scene with his wife and children.

He said: "This is shocking, it's really bad. I see it every day at work but not around here. My children play on the fields nearby but I might think twice about letting them go out there now."

Barry Davis, aged 70, has lived on Queensway for 40 years. He said: "You wouldn't think of it happening here."

Police are keen to hear from another couple seen in the area prior to the shooting. Anyone with information can ring 0300 123 4455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.