A 21-year-old Telford man was shot in the face by a mystery sniper in an attack near his home. The pellet lodged in one of his cheeks and cut him, but police said that the consequences could have been “much more serious”.

The victim was injured when an airgun pellet smashed into his face as he was walking between Burford and Beaconsfield, Brookside, yesterday at about 7.20pm.

Chris Ammonds, Telford police spokesman, said: “The incident could have been much more serious than it appears to have been.

“The victim was fortunate. The pellet could so easily have hit him in the eye.”

The man was taken by ambulance to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital following the shooting and he was kept in overnight.

Mr Ammonds said the man was today in a comfortable condition and was awaiting further treatment.

Detectives have yet to speak to the man in detail to find out exactly what happened.

But they said they are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the shooting or who has information about it.

Mr Ammonds said: “The investigation is at a very early stage.

“We will be speaking to the man in the next 24 hours, but in the meantime we would like to hear from anyone who has relevant information.”

Anyone who has information and wishes to speak to police about the incident is asked to call Constable Adrian Jones on 03003 333000.