County Scout Network Camp (5/10/08)

Network members on their pioneering project. For the report, click on the Scout Network page.

Devoran Scouts in shooting scare

A scout leader has relived the moment that 22 of his charges were shot at as they camped overnight at Devoran Creek on Saturday.

John Parham, leader of Devoran Scouts, told the Packet that the scouts plus two leaders were taking part in a survival camp on the banks of the creek, opposite Devoran Boatyard.

It was at around 11.30pm that fellow leader Mark Hole felt something “whiz past” his face.

Mr Parham said: “A few minutes later I heard a similar noise and felt a dull thud on my chest. We had heard cracking noises in the trees around us throughout the evening, but now realised that someone was shooting at us. From the force of the impact, I thought it could be an air rifle, but luckily, I had a thick fleece jacket on which protected me from the impact.”

When he shone a torch towards the mudflats he saw two people around 30 to 40 metres away. Mr Hole dialled 999 and contacted the police, but when officers arrived the pair on the mudflat had disappeared in the direction of Devoran.

Mr Parham said that when the police were satisfied there was no further risk to the scouts the whole group packed up their backs and walked to the parish centre in Devoran, under police escort.

The next morning the group attended the Church Parade service as previously planned and all were safely reunited with their parents by 11.30am, full of stories of the night before.

At the weekly meeting of the scouts on Monday night the boys involved were all reliving the experience, saying it was the best survival camp ever, he added.

Mr Parham said: “Although it was a frightening and potentially very dangerous situation, the youngsters were absolutely brilliant, following instructions to lie quiet and still on the ground for a considerable time, while shots were fired overhead, and when it was safe to do so, to quickly pack their bags and walk to safety at 1am.

“They have all gained a lot from the experience, with the older ones helping the younger ones, and the younger ones realising that although frightened, they really were able to look after themselves.

“Some people might think that being in Scouts isn’t ‘cool’, but Devoran Scouts had a great time on Saturday night – lots of fun and excitement – but they also showed real maturity, commitment and teamwork.”

A police spokesman confirmed that officers had been contacted at 11.45pm on Saturday night and had gone to the creek with a police sniffer dog. No one had been injured during the incident.

He said that anyone who might know who fired the shots could contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.