A 12-year-old boy was shot during an 'appalling' attack as he played football on a street in Bolton .
He was rushed to hospital after being shot in the knee on Bridge Street on Saturday afternoon.
The injured boy is now awaiting surgery.
Police believe he was shot at with an air rifle in the assault which they described as 'any parent's worst nightmare'.
The boy was playing football at around 3.50pm when his ball ended up a flat roof nearby.
As he went to get it back, he was shot at numerous times before he was hit.
An air ambulance was called out to the scene.
Police have launched an investigation and are currently trawling CCTV.
They are searching for a man who was seen in the area.
He is described as being white, of average build with glasses and with a grey beard and black hair tied back in a ponytail.
Detective Inspector Andrew Fallows from GMP’s Bolton borough said: “This was an appalling assault on a young boy who was just playing football in the street.
“How someone could comprehend shooting at a child is beyond me, this is any parent’s worst nightmare when sending their kids out to play.
“Thankfully his injuries aren’t life threatening, but he will require surgery and his recovery is not going to be short.
“We are determined to find whoever decided using an air gun was appropriate action to take on a boy retrieving his football.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 5757, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
