Mum unhappy with police probe of shooting

A Whakatane mother whose nine-year-old son was shot in the shoulder is not happy with the way police are investigating the incident.

But police say they are keeping an open mind and their inquiries are continuing.

Joshua Webb was shot in the shoulder as he climbed a fence while playing with two friends near stockyards adjacent to the Awatapu state housing estate last week.

Doctors have removed the bullet but fragments are now lodged in Joshua's liver.

Joshua's mother Hayley Webb said the family was not happy with the way the inquiry was proceeding, claiming the police "have made their minds up as to what has happened".

Ms Webb said police were making her feel like a bad parent.

She was at work at the time her son was injured, and her former partner took Joshua to hospital.

"It is a serious matter," Ms Webb said.

"There are heaps of kids in this area. Maybe someone let off a rifle accidentally. But they should come forward and take the suspicion off us."

Senior Sergeant Pat Tasker said police had received conflicting information and were keen to hear from anyone who could shed further light on the incident.

They had not yet found a weapon.


- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)