A 19-YEAR-OLD woman is fighting for her life in hospital today after being shot in the head and neck in Grundisburgh. The teenager who lives in Stoney Road was shot at around noon yesterday.

A 19-YEAR-OLD woman is fighting for her life in hospital today after being shot in the head and neck in Grundisburgh.

The teenager who lives in Stoney Road was shot at around noon yesterday.

She was taken by ambulance to Ipswich Hospital to receive treatment for neck and shoulder injuries.

Police initially believed they were not too serious, but her condition deteriorated and a Suffolk police spokeswoman said later: ''Her injuries are believed to be potentially life threatening.''

A man, aged 21, was arrested at the scene of the attack and he was taken to Ipswich police station for questioning. His name has not been released.

The shooting happened at a privately-owned semi-detached house, which used to be a council property, on a service road off Stoney Road. The house is close to the village green and the centre of the Grundisburgh.

Shocked neighbours said today that she had been living at the house with her boyfriend for about a year.

One neighbour said: "Whenever I have seen them they have been quite happy in their car or whatnot. You wouldn't expect it in Grundisburgh, especially so close to home."

The teenager was seen arguing in the street by passers by shortly before the shooting.

Her parents were believed to have stayed at the house over night but no one at the address answered the door today.

Villagers told how they saw five police vans pull up outside the property – but police first had to ask for directions to the house. Armed police surrounded the area and one couple was told by police in an unmarked car to go inside their home.

Officers from Woodbridge were among those called to the scene and Insp Trevor Brundle, the town's sector commander, said: ''There has been an incident involving a firearm and this is presently a scenes of crime place until we have established all the facts involved.''

Another near neighbour said: ''I did not see anything but a neighbour called us up and said 'what's going on in Stoney Road?' When I was cutting the grass I heard some banging but nothing more than that.

''At first I thought it was a door slamming but then I realised it did not sound like a normal bang.''

Grundisburgh post woman Ann Dee lives with her husband Patrick and their daughter Tracy in Cranworth Close, nearly opposite the house.

The family had been out and when they returned they saw the home's driveway had been cordoned off. Mr Dee said: ''It is very unusual for this to happen. It is normally quiet here.

''Not a lot goes on in Grundisburgh and it is horrible to think this has gone on in this village.''

Suffolk police said: ''Police were called to an address in Grundisburgh shortly after midday. A 19-year-old female had received a gunshot wound. She was taken to Ipswich Hospital by ambulance where she is receiving treatment for an injury to her neck and shoulder.

''Police arrested a 21-year-old man at the scene. He has been taken to Ipswich police station for questioning.''