A TEN-year-old boy is today recovering at home after being shot in the head with an air rifle.

Merseyside police are investigating the incident, which took place while the youngster was playing with friends in a field near Fleet Lane, St Helens, on Sunday.

Officers said they are treating the incident “extremely seriously” and are now trying to trace the rifle and the person who fired it.

Detectives said the boy was playing in the field with his friend at about 5pm when he felt a pain in his head.

He had received a head injury and was taken to Whiston hospital, where it was confirmed the wound was caused by an air pellet.

The injury was described by doctors as minor and the boy has now been discharged from hospital.

Detective Inspector Chris Sephton, of Merseyside police, said: “Thankfully the young boy received only a minor injury, but it could have been more serious.

“We have launched an intensive investigation and are treating this matter very seriously.

“I would urge anybody who was in the area at around 5pm on Sunday, to come forward and contact Merseyside police.

“You may have seen something that could help with our inquiries.”

* If you have any information about this incident, contact St Helens CID on 0151-777 1561 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.