A 10-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm after an eight-year-old boy was shot, Northumbria Police said yesterday.

Hospital staff alerted police shortly after 1 p.m. that the child had been admitted with a gunshot wound. His condition was described as serious. Police believe the incident took place at a travellers' site in Boldon, South Tyneside, where they have sealed off an area for investigations.

"This incident is in its very early stages," said Superintendent Jim Napier.

"We are working with the hospital, the boy's family, and residents of the site to establish the facts."