Chineham Teenager Connor Bell Died After Accidental Air Rifle Shooting at Party

Connor Bell, a 17-year-old from Chineham, died two days after being shot with an air rifle during a party, an inquest has been told. The incident, which occurred on 26 March, saw Mr Bell sustain a fatal wound to the chest.

The hearing was presented with evidence suggesting the shooting was unintentional. A friend, who cannot be named for legal reasons, informed police that he had taken the air rifle to the party and believed it was unloaded at the time of the discharge. He described having pointed the weapon at Mr Bell as a "joke", anticipating no harm.

Emergency services were called to the scene, and Mr Bell was subsequently transported to Southampton General Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries on 28 March.

A police investigation followed the incident, leading to an individual being arrested on suspicion of murder. However, this charge was later downgraded to manslaughter. The Crown Prosecution Service ultimately concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue a prosecution.

The coroner formally recorded a verdict of accidental death.