A stray 26-inch long arrow landed at the back of a Coalville home and narrowly missed hitting a child.

North West Leicestershire Police have issued an appeal for information and say the owner of the weapon that fired it could be prosecuted.

The incident happened in Beacon Crescent in Coalville leaving the child shaken, but not injured.

The police have posted more details about what happened and said: "On Thursday, June 3, at approximately 9:30 hours a stray arrow landed in a rear yard of a property on Beacon Crescent in Coalville, narrowly missing a child.

"We would like to remind everyone that whilst the use of air weapons and archery units are legal within your own property, special care and consideration must be taken to prevent the missiles from leaving your boundary.

"Should a missile leave the boundary of your premises, you may be found guilty of committing an offence under section 21A of the Firearms Act 1968.

"Fortunately, the child was not injured by the arrow but was obviously left shaken by the experience.

"We are appealing for any witnesses or persons who can provide information as to where the arrow may have come from.

"The arrow was a Fibreglass Archery Arrow by Armex, 26 inches in length and was black in colour with green and orange quills.

"If you have any information please contact PC 1839 Davies via 101 and quoting crime reference 21000309897."