The footpath next to Sittingbourne Community College's field, where joggers were recently shot

by Hayley Robinson

Two men were injured when they were shot at as they made their way along a public footpath.

The first victim was targeted as he was jogging along the track that runs alongside Sittingbourne Community College, off Fox Hill in Bapchild.

The runner claims to have heard a noise before feeling pain in his hip at about 8.45pm on Friday, March 1.

It is understood he made his own way to Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, where an X-ray revealed a pellet lodged under the skin.

A small operation was needed to remove it, and he returned to work the following day.

On the same night, 15 minutes after the first incident, a couple were walking along the same path when they heard a noise.

The man later discovered a pellet lodged in his jacket and a small flesh wound on his right arm.

Police say they are linking the two incidents as they happened in such a short space of time. They believe both shootings were carried out by one offender using an air gun.

The news has come as a shock to running club Sittingbourne Striders, whose members regularly use routes close to the school.

Treasurer Ron Smith said: "It's very shocking. We often meet outside the college on a Sunday morning at around 8am to go for a run. I hadn’t heard about this until now but I will make some inquiries and make sure we let our runners know.

"We have a Facebook group and website as well so we can mention it on there and tell members to be on their guard."

Graham Jones, who lives in Sittingbourne and regularly runs in the town, said: "I am shocked that this can happen to someone who is just out for a jog.

"It's not as if the area is off the beaten track and you would think it would therefore be a relatively safe place to go for a run."

Anyone with any information is asked to call Kent police on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.