Residents speak of shock over shooting on estate

The Oxford man was being held on suspicion of attempted murder following the shooting in Crowberry Road on Saturday. Police were called at 5.07am and discovered a woman in her 40s who had been shot and injured.

She was taken to Oxford’s John Radcliffe Hospital in a stable condition and released yesterday morning.

No further details of her injuries have been made public.

One witness, who did not wish to be named, said the victim was injured after a sawn-off shotgun was fired into the floor.

A group of men ran down Field Avenue and a gun was thrown into a garden in the street, they said.

The resident of the house where the gun was found said it was recovered by police on Saturday.

She said: “It was a horrible shock and I feel really scared, to tell you the truth.

“I know Blackbird Leys doesn’t have the best reputation, but people hardly ever get shot. “That’s something that happens in London or Manchester.

“The police said I might need to go to court and give evidence, which is a scary thought.”

Officers cordoned off a large area of the neighbourhood, including part of Field Avenue.

Pegasus Road resident Andrew Roberts, 35, who tried to visit a friend in Field Avenue on Saturday morning, said: “I couldn’t believe it when I heard what had happened. I hope the poor woman is okay.”

Det Insp John Turner appealed for witnesses.

He said: “I would like to reassure the local community that incidents such as these are extremely rare.

“Police officers and PCSOs will be undertaking extra patrols in the area to provide a reassurance to the community of Blackbird Leys.”

Two men aged 26 and 40 were arrested on suspicion of affray on Saturday and a 28- and 31-year-old were arrested on suspicion of the same offence the next day. The men – from Oxford – were still in custody last night.

Anyone with any information should contact Mr Turner by calling 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.