A WOMAN was shot as she walked her dogs in Stourport-on-Severn.

The woman, who is in her 40s, said she heard a popping noise and felt a short sharp pain under her arm as she walked along a a public footpath off Redstone Lane about 2pm on Saturday.

She said she assumed she had been scratched by a thorn but when she looked as she got closer to her home she realised she had a small puncture wound.

An X-ray later revealed she had a pellet lodged under her skin.

PC Kay Fillmore said: “Fortunately the woman was not seriously hurt as a result of this incident but it is cause for concern if someone is using a pellet gun in a public area.

“Even a stray shot can cause serious injury or even loss of life.

“If you were using a pellet gun near Redstone Caves on Saturday or you saw or heard anyone using one, we would like to hear from you.”

Anyone with information can call PC Kay Fillmore at Wyre Forest police on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.