Armed officers have twice been called to a village in as many days after two people were shot with what appeared to be air gun pellets, while a car was also damaged.
The first incidents were in Rode Heath on Sunday when the community was reassured by police that “we are doing everything we can to find those responsible”.
Then on Monday there was a further report of what is believed to be a pellet gun being fired in the village.
The alarm was first raised on Sunday evening following reports that three men had been seen in the area shooting ducks.
A man was hit with a pellet causing a minor injury as he walked along Rode Heath Rise, as was another man who had been in the car park of the Broughton Arms. He also suffered a minor injury.
The driver of a car on the B5078 at Chells Hill also reported damage to his vehicle, which may have been from an air gun.
The incidents all occurred between 8.30pm and 9pm.
At around 8.15pm on Monday officers, supported by the firearms unit and police helicopter, were called to a report of shots being fired in the Millmead area of Rode Heath.
A search was carried out but there was no trace of any suspects.
There were no reports of any injuries.
Police patrols have been stepped up in Rode Heath as enquiries continue.
Officers are looking at whether the incident on both days are connected.
Detectives are urging anyone with any information to get in touch.
Speaking on Monday, Det Ch Insp Claire Jesson said: “Following the incidents on Sunday evening I understand that the police activity in the area tonight is likely to have caused concern and I would like to reassure residents that we are committed to doing all we can to identifying those responsible.
“Patrols have been stepped up in the area and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to call us on 101 quoting IML 1089712.”
Following Sunday’s incident police were keen to speak to anyone who may have seen three men carrying a gun bag in the area of Rode Heath and Chells Hill, along the Trent and Mersey canal towpath near Rode Heath.
They also appealed for those driving through Rode Heath or Chells Hill between 8.15pm and 9.30pm on Sunday and who has dash cam footage of the three men, to get in touch.
Coun Chris Clowes, chair of Odd Rode Parish Council, who represents Rode Heath, said: “I’ve got every confidence in the police to get a positive result with this.
“I’ve been in the community today and I haven’t seen any concern that is noticeable.”
• Police closed Chells Hill to traffic early on Monday evening although that was for the removal of crane that was blocking the road after it had broken down while heading to a building site.
