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A 12-year-old boy is in a stable condition in Westmead Children’s Hospital after a bullet ricocheted and hit him in the cheek and shoulder on a property near Thuddungra. Police said the boy and a friend were in possession of a .22 rifle which discharged and a round ricocheted. Young NSW Ambulance Inspector Stephen Pollard said the 12-year-old was hit by the bullet on the left side of his face with the bullet continuing on through his shoulder, leaving two entry and two exit wounds. The boy was driven by road to meet officers before being transported to Young Hospital then flown to Westmead Children’s Hospital for specialist treatment. Police established a crime scene at the property with ‘scientific police’ investigating the scene on Thursday. Cootamundra LAC acting superintendent Frank Brown said there is a possibility that charges could be laid but their first priority is the welfare of the children involved. “We will thoroughly investigate the incident and if there is evidence to suggest that prosecution take place we will look at that. “We understand there was two young boys at the house and we understand at this early stage that the one young boy has been asked to return a firearm to the firearm safe for safe storage, we then understand an incident has occurred where the firearm has discharged and one of the boys has suffered an injury,” he said during a media address in Cootamundra on Thursday. Acting superintendent Brown confirmed the boy who was injured did not reside on the property where the incident occurred, he also said the gun was registered and from the property. The acting superintendant could not comment on if the child was in possession of a minor’s permit for a firearm. Police have not had an opportunity to speak to the boy as yet. “It’s very early stages at this point in time, obviously the incident occurred last night and has been quite stressful to all persons involved and the priority at the time was the welfare of the young children and to seek medical attention. “Police will speak with all persons involved at a later date and take the appropriate action if any action is required,” the acting superintendent said. Acting superintendent Brown did not know what the gun had been fired at or what the bullet ricocheted off. “At this point in time it’s early stages and we will establish that after speaking to both the boys involved.” Acting superintendent Brown said police had not been able to contact the child’s family on Wednesday. “I suggest they are tied up with the young boy,” he said. “My message in relation to firearms is that as we are taught as police - treat all firearms as if they are loaded at all times. Never point your firearm at anyone that you do not want to put at risk - it’s as simple as that,” he said. “Firearms can be very dangerous and can cause some serious injuries if not handled and respected at the same time.”

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