A TEENAGE gunman shot himself in the foot as he attempted to threaten a rival.

Paul While armed himself with a sawn-off shotgun in a bid to scare another teenager who he had clashed with in a long-running family dispute.

But as the 18-year-old ran into Tote Sport bookmakers on Dovecot Road, Dovecot, and attempted to pull the weapon from his pocket he fired it into his own foot.

Undeterred While continued into the shop and aimed the gun at his victim, believed to be 15, before fleeing with a 17-year-old accomplice, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

But While, who was out on licence at the time, was not finished and as the pair fled they were picked up by his brother, Lee Worswick, in a car. The trio drove to the home of the grandfather of their victim. Moments later, a shot blasted the frame of his front door.

Yesterday the brothers were locked up for a more than 12 years after admitting possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life on December 27.

While, of Stonefield Road, was sent to a Young Offenders’ Institute for six years. His brother, Worswick, 24, of Kensley Road, both Dovecot, was jailed for six years, three months.

Their 17-year-old accomplice, who admitted two counts of possessing a prohibited firearm and another of intending to endanger life, is due to be sentenced on Wednesday.