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Second person charged after man shot in Whitstable at Westmeads Recreation Ground

11:32, 19 July 2019

updated: 11:58, 19 July 2019

A man has been charged with possession of a firearm after a 22-year-old was shot in a public park.

Andrew Williams, 52, of no fixed address, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the shooting - which saw a young man rushed to hospital with a leg injury after he was shot in the leg on Westmeads Recreation Ground, Whitstable.

Williams is set to appear before Medway Magistrates' Court later today, charged with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm.

Police say the shooting happened at Westmeads Recreation Ground, Whitstable
Police say the shooting happened at Westmeads Recreation Ground, Whitstable

Armed police were scrambled to Whitstable at about 2pm on July 7.

Paramedics and an air ambulance also rushed to the scene and the victim was taken to hospital for treatment.

Officers initially believed he had been injured with a ball-bearing gun pellet.

But, following surgery, it emerged his wound had been caused by a bullet. Further enquiries are now being made to establish the type of weapon that was used.

Williams is the second person to be charged in connection with the shooting, which is being investigated by detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate.

At about 5.30pm on Monday, a 54-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested in connection with the incident.

The air ambulance landed on Westmeads Rec. Pic: Janice Johnston
The air ambulance landed on Westmeads Rec. Pic: Janice Johnston

Assisted by a police helicopter, officers searched a property in Yorkletts at around 11pm, before carrying out further searches at a property in Walmer Road, Whitstable, on Tuesday, July 16.

The 16-year-old was charged by police with conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm with intent. He appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 17, where he was remanded in custody.

He is set to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on August 19.

The 54-year-old man has been released on bail until August 7, pending further investigation.

He is the second person to be charged in connection with the incident. Stock image
He is the second person to be charged in connection with the incident. Stock image

Detectives are continuing to appeal for witnesses to the incident, and would like to hear from anyone who has not yet come forward.

Anyone with information can call the appeal line on 01843 222289 quoting reference 46/130220/19.

Alternatively you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by completing an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

To get the latest updates in ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Whitstable

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