Postie is shot twice while doing his round

[brothermagrew]

MAIL deliveries have been halted on an East Renfrewshire street after a postman was shot with an airgun.

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/disp ... terror.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TrueBlueTerrier]

http://www.paisleydailyexpress.co.uk/re ... -23716591/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

A POSTMAN was shot twice in the head while he was out delivering his morning mail.

Yesterday, cops were hunting the crazed gunman who ambushed Alex Anderson in a shocking attack.

The terrified postman dived for cover after feeling excruciating pain on his lip as the first shot hit him.

Mr Anderson, 53, was then pinned down by more shots from the gunman and hit for a second time.

As he was rushed to Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital police swooped on the scene of the shooting and began door-to-door inquiries.

Royal Mail bosses have now halted deliveries to more than 30 houses in the area where he was shot until police track down the shooter.

Last night, one source told the Paisley Daily Express: “It seems this postman was selected at random and used for target practice.

“He could have been killed and it must have been a terrifying experience for him.

“After he was hit by the first shot, he wasn’t sure what was going on. Then, when he was hit for a second time, he realised he was being targeted.

“It’s thought the shots came from the window of a nearby house.”

The frightening attack happened in Crossmill Avenue, in the Dunterlie area of Barrhead.

Mr Anderson had almost finished his deliveries when he heard a strange noise and then felt a sharp pain on his lip.

As blood poured from his face, a second shot hit him on the head and left his scalp bleeding too.

He managed to use his mobile phone to alert staff at his sorting office as he fled from the scene.

It is believed the gunman used a high-powered air weapon to target the postie.

Both of the pellets which struck Mr Anderson were removed by medical staff at the RAH.

Yesterday, he was recovering from his injuries but was still in shock.

Police have described the attack, which took place at around 11.45am on Saturday, as “cowardly.”

Superintendent Stewart Borthwick said: “A postal worker was taken to hospital but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

“This cowardly attack once again highlights the dangers posed by the use of air weapons.

“A substantial police operation is under way to trace those responsible. Officers are following a positive line of inquiry.”

Local councillor Mary Montague said she is shocked by the shooting and has urged anyone who has information to come forward.

“An attack such as this on any person is utterly unacceptable but it is even more reprehensible that a person going about their business as a public servant has
been attacked in this way,” added Councillor Montague, who is East Renfrewshire’s community safety convener.

“Royal Mail staff provide a vital service to the community and I condemn the actions of whoever is responsible for this cowardly and potentially fatal attack.”

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said the health and safety of staff is of “paramount importance.”

She added: “Deliveries to Crossmill Avenue have been temporary suspended as a precaution while the investigation is ongoing.

“Customers affected by the temporary suspension of deliveries can collect their mail from the delivery office at 77 Cross Arthurlie Street, Barrhead.

“The mail will be available for collection between 7am and 12.15pm on Mondays to Saturdays.

“For security reasons, customers will be required to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or driving licence, when collecting their mail.”

[johnsouthwales]

bad crack that is, being shot at. been going on for years in different areas people taking potshots. usually a one off, usually they take potshots at passing cars for a laugh. nowt safe.

usually the projectile direction is a giveaway where the shots were coming from. cops should have worked that one out. 50 yards for .22?

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said the health and safety of staff is of “paramount importance.”

how come there have been walkouts and disputes because of health and safety issues? where is the paramount importance which caused the strikes?
what if someone is at work or something and doesn't finish until after 4pm?

[Pat Ostman]

A spokeswoman for Royal Mail said the health and safety of staff is of “paramount importance.”

how come there have been walkouts and disputes because of health and safety issues? where is the paramount importance which caused the strikes?
what if someone is at work or something and doesn't finish until after 4pm?

[brothermagrew]

No. 468/09
Ref P17
Date: 28 May 2009




To: All Branches

Dear Colleagues



Glasgow Postman shooting incident Saturday 23 May 2009

A number of enquires have been received by the Health, Safety & Environment Dept in relation to a shooting incident involving a Glasgow delivery postman which occurred last weekend and which has been reported widely in the regional and national press. Some of the reports have been somewhat distorted, possibly due to the fact that the unfortunate victim a CWU member, declined press interviews and publicity.

For the record the facts are that the delivery postman working out of the Glasgow Barrhead G78 Delivery office was performing his normal Saturday morning delivery round on the city's Crossmill/ Dunterlie Estate when he came under fire in what was a "random" incident. He was fired at 9 times with a high powered air riffle and hit twice, once in the temple and once in the face, receiving superficial injuries, the worst of which was a nasty injury to his face where one of the pellets penetrated his upper lip and a front tooth was lost.

After taking cover and calling 999 the emergency services and Police attended the scene and he was taken to the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Paisley where he received the necessary emergency medical treatment and has subsequently been afforded psychological support and assistance. The Glasgow Barrhead Police immediately launched an investigation which led quickly to the arrest of an individual who has been assisting Police enquiries in relation to fire arms and assault charges. The Police investigation is continuing. The Glasgow & Dist Amal Branch have been fully involved, giving the member every assistance and support, Arthur Nugent ASR has carried out a full incident investigation and has been working closely with Royal Mail and is conducting a "walk safe" assault policy review. He remains in close contact with the injured member. Deliveries to the Crossmill Avenue, Dunterlie Estate area have been suspended pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation to protect the safety of our members.

This incident sadly demonstrates the type of environment and society which we live in and in which some of our members have to perform their duties, facing the risk of assaults, robberies and dog attacks for example. Fortunately, incidents of this nature remain relatively low in comparison with the number of people we have out working in the streets and in contact with the public, but the situation is not getting any better and this calls for a suitable level of vigilance.

It is very important that Area Safety Representatives and other branch officials ensure that "high risk areas" are jointly monitored and that agreed "walk safe" assaults policy risk assessments are regularly reviewed and kept up to date. The safety, security and wellbeing of our members is of paramount importance.

Yours Sincerely
Dave Joyce
National Health, Safety & Environment Officer

[johnsouthwales]

that is a serious incident looking at it in that perspective. being shot at is bad enough as if someone was mucking about, being hit twice is bad enough, but losing a tooth and hit in the lip. the pain caused must have been excruciating indeed. being hit on the forehead does hurt and stings like mad even from around 30 yards. what if it was an eye injury or loss?

[brothermagrew]

Brother johnsouthwales this past HAZARDS Factsheet 73 article may be of interest to you and others.

http://www.hazards.org/compensation.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[andy2007]

that is a serious incident looking at it in that perspective. being shot at is bad enough as if someone was mucking about, being hit twice is bad enough, but losing a tooth and hit in the lip. the pain caused must have been excruciating indeed. being hit on the forehead does hurt and stings like mad even from around 30 yards. what if it was an eye injury or loss?

A lot depends on the Rifle, and the Pellets being used. Even a perfectly legal 12ft/lb Air Rifle, can cause serious injuries at close range, if you use the right pellets, and are a good shot. But the reports talk of a high powered Air Rifle. So it could have been from further away, and could have the potential to kill. But that will all come out in the Trial. Remember, they use high powered Air Rifles, to fire tranquiliser darts into wild animals. Some of which have far tougher skin than ours. But you need a License to get hold of them.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

The Americans certainly take air guns and paint ball guns seriously.

http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/ ... ekey=40221" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

NONPOWDER GUNS ARE POTENTIAL LETHAL WEAPONS

Below is a news brief on a technical report appearing in the the November issue of Pediatrics, the peer-reviewed, scientific journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

For Release: November 1, 2004, 12:01 am (ET)

Nonpowder guns - ball-bearing (BB) guns, pellet guns, air rifles, and paintball guns - are extremely powerful and continue to cause serious injury, disability and even death to children and adolescents, according to a new American Academy of Pediatrics technical report "Injury Risk of Nonpowder Guns."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) claim there were approximately 21,840 nonpowder gun-related injuries treated in emergency departments in 2000. Between 1990 and 2000, the CPSC reported 39 nonpowder gun-related deaths, of which 32 were children age 15 and younger

Each year, approximately 3.2 million nonpowder guns are sold in U.S. department stores, including toy stores. The continued popularity of war and paintball games contributes to higher sales and subsequent accidents, especially eye-related injuries.

While nonpowder guns use compressed air instead of gunpowder to launch projectiles, they are often nearly as powerful as traditional firearms. According to the CPSC, 80 percent of nonpowder guns have muzzle velocities (the speed at which the object leaves the gun) at 350 to 450 feet per second, and 50 percent between 500 and 930 feet per second. A traditional firearm pistol has a muzzle velocity of 750 feet per second to 1,450 per second. Eye penetration can occur at a muzzle velocity of just 130 feet per second.

Of the reported nonpowder gun injuries in 2000, approximately 12 percent were to the eye, 24 percent to the head and neck, 63 percent were to extremities, and 1 percent was to other body areas. Most victims were males.

Technical report data suggests that a lack of supervision and unstructured use may contribute to the injury risk from nonpowder guns.

The report suggests that nonpowder gun injuries should receive prompt medical attention, similar to that associated with firearm injuries. Eye protective devices (EPDs) may be useful in decreasing but not fully eliminating eye-related injuries associated with paintball use.

Nonpowder guns, according to the report, are weapons and should never be characterized as toys.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 60,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics press release, November 1, 2004 (http://www.aap.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;)

[johnsouthwales]

gas powered

[andy2007]

gas powered

Do you mean that the one used in the attack was a Gas Powered one?
If so, I'm confused. Gas powered Air Guns, are primarily pistols. And they have a 6ft/lb Legal limit (and have done for years). Although, I suppose they might use gas for Paint Ball Guns (I've never used one myself). So the attacker would have had to be VERY close to have caused those injuries. If indeed it would be possible at all.

The big worry, is when people buy legal Air Guns, and then modify them to take them over the 6ft/lb/12ft/lb limits. Particularly as it's possible (but highly dangerous) to do this with legal, over the counter parts. There was a case, not far from me. Several years ago, when someone used the spring from one Air Rifle, in another, to make it more powerful. Luckily, he was cuaght. But aparently, he'd got it up to 16ft/lb. Doesn't sound like much of a difference. But just try comparing a 6ft/lb Air Pistol, to a 12ft/lb Air Rifle. And you'll see why the Police were so concerned.

[axeman]

12ftlb compressed air power not fire arms stupid to use one as this has been used a very capable rifle not sure how far they will fire but guess 100yds with a great deal of accuracy .
iv'e used a friends rifle and it's spot on every shot must say having not fired a air rifle for years they are most impresive ......in the right hands dare say we will have mass panic now to ban there use

[andy2007]

With a 12ft/lb Air Rifle, the accurate range is around 40-45 Yards. After that, the pellet starts to drop quite badly. An experienced shooter, can still hit a target, up to around 50-55 yards. With acceptable accuracy. But after that, they're just not accurate enough. The exact range, varies depending on the Rifle though. But with mine, I can put a pellet, in a pellet hole, at 35 yards. In fact, I always set my sights, by aiming for pellet holes.

As for penetration: That varies, depending on the type of pellets. You can get nylon jacketed pellets (or at least you could the last time I used my Air Gun), which extend the range considerably, for shooting targets. But they're useless for Hunting, as they don't deform. You just get a neat .22" hole. Then there's the pointed Lead pellets: These are effective against Rabbits, up to around 50-55 Yards, because they still deform on impact. So your target doesn't have a chance to suffer (if your aim is good). Or at the other end of the spectrum. There's the flat headed pellets: These are good for less experienced Hunters, as they do far more damage. But the effective range, is approximately half that of pointed or round headed pellets. Because they need to be travelling much faster to get penetration, and aren't as accurate as pointed, or round headed pellets, over longer distances.

[johnsouthwales]

sorry, i was just referring gas as an example. gas ram. then again, there's co2 powered rifles compared to spring or pneumatic powered, as well as co2 pistols.

weirauch are powerful 11 lbs. then again there are fancy gimmiks like lasers, or darts instead of pellets. those diamond slugs are lethal. marksman pointed

[k979aaa]

It is not the guns airguns or any guns for that matter but the MORONS who miss use them the prick that shot that postman could have killed him droping a brick TV or sofa out of a tower block!. Or throw the same of a motorway overpass the law needs too be life shold mean life and an eye for an eye. Catch this prick and shoot him till he learns his lesson to GROW UP!.