A MOTHER whose son was almost blinded after being shot in the eye has begged children to think twice before buying imitation guns.

The 13-year-old was shot by a fellow pupil at the Community College, Whitstable, after two teenagers took the gun into school to sell.

His mother, who asked not to be named, said she was terrified her child would lose his eye. She said: “He told me someone fired at him directly. When the school phoned I was terrified. I thought this sort of thing only happened in the Bronx, not Whitstable.

“It is frightening to think what could have happened. I don’t blame the school or the parents. I think this is a reflection on society today. These guns are so readily available and people think they are toys. They don’t realise the consequences of their actions.”

The incident happened at lunchtime last Friday in the school grounds. The 13-year-old was taken to Ashford's William Harvey Hospital for emergency treatment and he is still in hospital as doctors battle to save his eye.

His mother said: “He has several injuries to his eye including a blood clot. At the moment we are desperately trying to keep the eye still because any change in pressure or sudden movement could be disastrous.

“It’s very hard for my son because he doesn’t feel ill but has to lie in bed all day. We have no idea when he will be home and the doctors have said if the injuries are aggravated it could be months.”

A 15-year-old boy has voluntarily attended Canterbury police station in connection with the incident. No one has been charged and anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01227 762055.