Tonbridge pupil recovers in hospital after shooting himself in head

A TONBRIDGE School pupil is recovering in hospital after shooting himself in the head.

Junior shooting champion Blaise Fenn, 15, was found on Monday, on land close to his parents' home in Speldhurst on the outskirts of Tunbridge Wells.

It is still unclear whether the Tonbridge Juddians' player shot himself accidentally.

Emergency services descended on the village after the boy went missing and concerns were raised about his whereabouts.

The police helicopter was called to Langton Road at 8.30pm to search for him.

Officers discovered Blaise with a wound to the right side of his head shortly after 9pm.

He was conscious and was treated by paramedics before being airlifted to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. He was later transferred to St George's Hospital in London where he remains in a stable condition.

Shocked neighbours described the youngster as a "lovely bloke" who loves playing rugby for Tonbridge Juddians.

Blaise, who lives opposite St Mary's Church, was crowned Junior Topham at Tonbridge School's Rifle Championships in September last year.

Get well messages have been flooding in for the youngster. His headmaster Tim Haynes said: "Our thoughts and very best wishes are with Blaise and his family at this difficult time."

The Rev Douglas Wren at St Mary's Church in Speldhurst said: "The church family at St Mary's are praying for him and his family."

A Kent Police spokesman said: "We were called at 8.30pm to a report of a concern for the welfare of a 15-year-old boy, who had not returned home. Officers found the boy and he was taken to hospital by helicopter for treatment to head injuries."