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A teenage boy is in a critical condition after being shot in Sunderland.

Police were called at 8.40pm on Wednesday to Hewitt Avenue, after reports a 15-year-old boy had been injured while travelling on a motorbike.

It emerged the boy had been shot and was taken to the RVI in Newcastle where he remains in a critical condition.

The investigation is ongoing and a 39-year-old man and 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. They remain in custody.

Police say they believe the shooting is an isolated incident.

Extra officers are in the area to offer reassurance to the community and anyone who is concerned can speak to an officer.

DCI Mark Ord said: “We recognise this incident may be concerning for the local community and I would like to reassure them that there is no wider risk to members of the public.

“We have two people arrested who are currently in custody and our inquiries are continuing. Extra officers will remain in the area to answer any concerns local residents may have. If anyone has any information about the incident I’d urge them to get in contact with us.”

Neighbour Brogan Connify, 21, who lives on Hewlitt Avenue has spoken of her shock.

She said: “I just heard a bang, It was just a shock to be honest. My next door neighbour has been doing work on her house and I thought it was that. It sounded like a big clatter, like a wardrobe being knocked over. It was lots of noise all at once. It’s usually really quiet around here.

“My dad used to live here and said it had a dodgy reputation. But this is the first thing that’s happened while I have been here. It has shaken me up. I have a one-year-old son and I am starting to ask myself if this is the kind of place I want my son to grow up in.”

Neighbour Paul Phillips, 27, was woken up by the noise of a moped.

He said: “There was a moped going up and down the street for a while and it woke me up. Then I saw a police car and thought it was just on patrol but when I looked down the street they were everywhere.

“We get motorbikes quite a lot around here, but it’s worse on a weekend.”

Valerie Barrass who is 58 has lived on the street for 32 years.

She said: “I woke up at 4am to go to work and looked out of the window. The police were there and then a big recovery vehicle arrived.

“The area has gone downhill. The motorbikes are always going up and down, seven days a week. Sometimes it goes on past 10pm.

“Someone getting shot is shocking. Nothing like this has ever happened before. It’s like the Bronx. If it gets any worse I’m moving.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 quoting reference 1063 051016 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111