A NORTH Yorkshire teenager was shot in the face when his classmate fired a gun at him during a lesson.

The youth is reported to have taken pot shots at other pupils with a ball bearing gun carrying plastic pellets.

A 15-year-old boy was hit by a pellet only inches from his eye and also had a tooth chipped.

Another 15-year-old suffered minor chest injuries.

The incident, at Selby High School, is now being investigated by police.

A school source said the culprit was pulled out of the classroom by teaching staff.

"He was just taking pot shots at people," he said.

Selby school governor and district councillor, Chris Pearson said he was shocked by the incident.

"It's terrible that this sort of thing goes on in Selby," he told the Evening Press.

"I hope the pupil responsible is suspended.

"I've never come across anything like this before."

A police spokesman confirmed a 15-year-old Year 11 pupil was hit in the face with a pellet from a BB gun.

"Selby police are investigating the matter," he said.

A spokesman for the school and the local education authority said: "We can confirm that there was an incident at the school which resulted in two pupils being treated for minor injuries caused by being hit by plastic pellets fired from a BB gun.

"The parents of all the pupils concerned in the incident have been kept fully informed.

"Parents can be assured that the headteacher and the LEA are taking all necessary steps to ensure that the school continues to run smoothly."

Updated: 10:45 Thursday, October 02, 2003