WILTSHIRE's Police and Crime Commissioner has commented on the second shooting in Swindon in as many months. 

On Monday, Police arrested a 27-year-old man after a teenage boy was shot and left with potentially life-changing injuries in an incident at Odstock Road, Penhill. 

Last month, a man in his 40s was shot in the arm at Sackville Close, Walcot, and as of April 8 four people have been arrested - an 18-year-old, a 17-year-old, a 20-year-old and a 24-year-old.

Now, Philip Wilkinson has reinforced the Police call for calm following the latest incident.

He said: “This is the second incident involving a firearm in Swindon in the past month and whilst I understand the deep concern and shock local residents may be feeling, I would like to reassure them the Police do not assess that there is a threat to the wider public.

“As this investigation continues, I will be briefed by the Chief Constable but while that process is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to comment on this specific case.

“Clearly, my thoughts are with the injured boy and his family and it’s important that we keep them at the forefront of our minds.

“However, we must also be aware that this is the second incident involving firearms in a short space of time and we need to redouble our efforts to address the underlying cause of the problem before it gets out of hand."

The elected official added that steps were being taken to get a grip on violent crime in the town.

“My office is working hard to address the issues which are at the centre of serious youth violence and gun crime through working with Swindon Borough Council to create a successful youth strategy and by helping their bid to obtain over £560,000 in Safer Streets Funding to tackle violent crime," he said. 

“I have the utmost confidence that Wiltshire Police will work tirelessly to catch those involved in this shooting and I’d appeal to anyone who has any information to come forward”

Mr Wilkinson had previously spoken out about the perceived rise in violent knife crime in the area following the death of Owen Dunn. 

If you do have any information, you can share it by either by calling 101 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111