A teenage girl is recovering after being shot in the back with an air weapon.

The 15-year-old girl needed hospital treatment after a pellet lodged in her lower back following the incident.

The teenager had been walking her dog on her own in fields near to Cooper Lane, Buttershaw, Bradford, at 5.30pm on Saturday teatime when the incident occurred.

It is understood she met a group of youths who she knew and an air rifle was fired, hitting her.

After the shooting, she managed to make her way home and she was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary by her family. She is thought to have been released from hospital later that evening after treatment to her back.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said a 17-year-old youth had been arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the incident. He was questioned by officers and released on bail pending further police inquiries.

The spokesman said: “We can confirm we were called to reports of a 15-year-old girl being shot with an air rifle on fields close to Cooper Lane.

“A 17-year-old man has been arrested for suspected assault and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

“The victim was taken to hospital, but her injuries were not life threatening and she was discharged.

“Investigations are ongoing into the incident and officers are following up some positive lines of inquiry.

“We would appeal for any witnesses who saw the incident to contact Bradford South Police, on 0845 6060606, or ring Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”