During a press conference in Dubbo Orana Mid-Western Police District Commander Superintendent Peter McKenna said investigations into the circumstances are ongoing. 

About 9.30am police were called to an incident at a property on Ilford Sofala Road, Sofala, about 45km north of Bathurst.

“It appears there was a shooting incident at that property, tragically a 15-year old boy has been shot, he is  currently in a critical but stable condition at Westmead children hospital,” Superintendent Peter McKenna said

“Detectives, crime scene officers have been to the address, witnesses have been interviewed, forensic examinations have taken place. 

“The initial investigation, I stress it’s initial at this stage, is that it appears to be an accidental shooting, the exact circumstances of which I can’t elaborate on at this stage.” 

There were two boys at the property and police have been told the teenagers aged 15 and 16 were hunting. Police have interviewed witnesses 

“The 15 year old was shot in the back, circumstances of how the firearm was discharged is still being investigated,” Superintendent McKenna said.

“There will be an investigation in relation to the supervision of those boys, an investigation into into firearms licences and firearms accessible.

“At this stage all firearms involved at that incident or at the property have been seized by police, and further investigation has taken place. 

“The initial investigation indicates a shot gun was involved, there were access to other firearms.

“Guns are dangerous, there’s no two ways about it, firearm safety is paramount.

“I understand people do use guns legally and for lawful reasons, that’s okay, but we have to do it in the safest way possible, police are trained to the highest level with gun safety, anyone who has a firearm or access to a firearm has to treat it with the upmost respect because they’re dangerous.” 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.

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