TWO drunk men were hunted by a police helicopter after firing shots at a residential centre for people with learning disabilities over the weekend.

Police and air support were called to the David Lewis centre, on Mill Lane, Great Warford, at around 1am on Sunday August 24 following reports an air rifle had been fired on the premises, causing criminal damage.

Night staff at the centre, which provides education, residential, medical and therapeutic support for people with learning disabilities, epilepsy and autism, had spotted two men on the site’s cricket field.

When security asked the pair to leave the premises, the .22 air rifle was produced and fired in the direction of a semi-detached house, which is home to five of David Lewis’ residents.

Two pellets penetrated the window of the staff office. By the time police arrived both men had fled the scene but they were apprehended at a nearby property shortly afterwards, around 2am.

The men, both aged 22, were intoxicated and admitted causing damage.

The men were given a conditional caution for criminal damage and made to pay £500 to repair the damage caused. They were also given a caution for possession of an air weapon in a public place.

Chief Executive of David Lewis Anthony Waters said: “We thank the police for their prompt and efficient response in getting it dealt with as quickly as possible.

“There was a bit of damage but fortunately no-one was injured.”