Cars and buildings targeted in air gun attacks

Rebecca Sherdley & Ben Mellor
BBC News, Nottingham
BBC Car with smashed windowsBBC
A car owner in Collyer Road, Calverton, says his vehicle was one of those damaged

Three men have been arrested after cars, buildings and bus stops were targeted in a spate of suspected BB gun shootings.

Police say criminal damage was caused in areas of Nottingham and elsewhere in the county between 13 and 20 March.

Car windows, home windows and bus stops were reportedly smashed in Bestwood, Arnold, Calverton and Sherwood, and ball bearings recovered.

The suspects, aged 18, 20 and 29, are in custody on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and criminal damage.

Police made the arrests after they stopped a car in Daleside Road, Sneinton, at about 21:10 GMT on Thursday.

No serious injuries were reported following the incidents, but police said patrols had been increased in the area.

Inquiries will continue locally as officers trawl through CCTV and doorbell footage, the force added.

Ben Mellor/BBC Image of Emily. She is wearing glasses and has a blue jumper on. She is stood on her driveway.Ben Mellor/BBC
Emily Nelis said several cars on her road had been damaged

Emily Nelis, from Bestwood, said her car was one of those damaged.

The mother-of-two told the BBC she was woken up in the early hours of Thursday morning by a passer-by who saw that her car window had been smashed.

The 27-year-old "struggled to go back to sleep" after, adding: "It does get you on edge.

"I was a bit shocked to be honest."

Supplied Image of a blue car with a smashed window. The picture is taken at night.Supplied
Ms Nelis "struggled to go back to sleep" after hearing about the damage to her car

Det Insp James Oakton said the incident was being taken "extremely seriously".

"High-visibility patrols have been put in place in the areas affected, and I'd urge anyone with concerns to speak to an officer," he added.

"While we do not believe anyone has been injured, considerable damage has been caused to people's homes and cars, and these incidents will have caused distress.

"These arrests are an important development, but we still want to hear from anyone with any information or relevant CCTV, doorbell, dashcam or mobile phone footage."

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