A HAMPSHIRE schoolboy has been shot in the head with an air rifle in a sickening attack that left the teenager thinking he would die.

Elliott Hayes, 13, was fishing at his usual spot near Cromarty Road, Lordshill in Southampton, when he was struck in the head by a single shot from an air gun.

The pellet lodged itself in the back of the youngster's head, just missing Elliott's ear. The pellet had to be removed in an emergency operation at Southampton General Hospital.

Now police are appealing for information to help them catch the heartless marksmen.

Elliott's mum Sharon Lovland, 38, told the Daily Echo: "Elliott just shook and shook and kept screaming, and asking me if he was going to die. He was in a huge amount of pain and now he's too scared to go to school or go outside on his own."

The Year 8 Oaklands School pupil was out with two friends last week for a day's fishing at a lake near his home in Northolt Gardens, Lordshill.

Less than half an hour into their expedition, a gun sounded and Elliott was struck hard in the head with a mushroom-shaped pellet.

"It felt like a stone hitting me really hard," he said. "It was really painful."

The teenager went into shock - and began repeatedly screaming. A passer-by, alerted by Elliott's two friends, rushed to help and took Elliott to his grandfather's home in Pembrey Close.

From there, the boy was rushed to accident and emergency, where the pellet was removed and his head wound was closed with glue.

"It was painful when they took it out, like it was burning around the skin," added Elliott.

Now the fishing fan is too terrified to venture out alone - and even going to school is difficult because Oaklands is so close to the site of the horrifying attack.

Housewife Mrs Lovland said: "He's just really, really nervous about everything. He used to go fishing with friends every day but now I have to go with him. He's also worried about going to school, and likes to stay indoors at break-time."

Police are hunting two males spotted just before the incident which happened early on Saturday, June 12. Both individuals were wearing baseball caps and aged about 18.

One was even seen carrying a large bag - which officers fear may have been concealing the weapon.

Investigating officer, PC Ginette Read, said: "This may have been an accident, but we are concerned about this sort of incident involving an air rifle being discharged in this way.

"Both males were seen going into the woods near to the group of three boys having hung around in view for a little while.

"We would appeal for anyone who saw anything to come forward, or who may know who is responsible."

Anyone with information can contact PC Read on 0845 045 4545.