Southampton man 'shot' in head by gang of youths

Blood came gushing out of his head after it is believed he was shot with either a catapult or BB gun.

The victim, a man in his 40s and who wished to remain unnamed was reportedly attacked by a group of eight teens on bikes outside his home in St Martins Close.

He had confronted them after they hurled abuse and swore at his sister.

One witness described how the victim was "knocked for six" after being hit in the side of the head.

Although he was not taken to hospital he was left with "dents in the side of his head.

A police spokesperson said: "We received a report of an assault in which a man in his 40s was hit in the side of the head with an object in St Martins Close, shortly after 6pm last night (April 22).

"The object is suspected to be a BB gun pellet, but this is not confirmed.

"Anyone with any information is urged to call police on 101, quoting 44200142266."

• Police use powers to crack down on anti-social behaviour

Meanwhile, police implemented a dispersal order after a man was attacked by a group of youths in St Mary's Street on Thursday night.

The man received facial injuries and was taken to Southampton General Hospital for treatment.

The order gives officers the power to disperse people involved in anti-social behaviour out of the town centre area. Anyone under 16-years-old can be taken be to their home address.