POLICE are investigating after a postman was apparently shot at with an air rifle in Sutton-in-Craven.

The incident happened at 10.30am on Friday close to Sutton House on Ellers Road.

Police say a rifle pellet whizzed past the postman and lodged in a tree, leaving him shocked.

PC James Dykes, in charge of the investigation, said he was keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time.

He said: "It's possible that it was a stray shot from someone dealing with vermin or the like, but if the postman was being deliberately shot at it's very serious."

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Dykes on 101.