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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Jamie Brassington & Hannah Mackenzie Wood

Teen dad shot in park told he will never walk again leaving family 'devastated'

A teen dad shot in the back while at the park with friends has been told he will never walk again.

Connor Harper was shot three times on the evening of Friday, April 8 at a recreation ground off Homer Hill Road in Cradley Heath, Sandwell.

The 17-year-old was out with friends when the attack took place, with his heartbroken family not knowing why he was targeted.

West Midlands Police is treating the shooting as attempted murder, however no arrests have been made so far, Birmingham Live reports.

A fundraising page has been set up to support Connor, who is dad to six-month-old son Jaiden, during his recovery.

Connor is currently learning how to live his life in a wheelchair. (Family handout)

He is currently in hospital. Photographs taken by his family show his body being supported in a large sling on a bed.

Last month, they revealed how doctors were waiting to see if Connor could walk again. In an update, his older sister Leanne Bayliss, 30, from Rowley Regis, told BlackCountryLive: "Doctors have told Connor he will never walk again.

"We are devastated his life will never go back to the way it was - but so thankful and lucky we still have him here with us. At the minute, he is being taught how to live his life in a wheelchair.

"He will spend his 18th birthday in hospital." While the circumstances are tragic for Connor, he was at least reunited with his son in hospital for the first time.

Previously, he was not allowed onto the ward. But Connor has since moved hospital, where he is now allowed more daily visitors, one at a time, for two hours.

Asked for an update on the shooting investigation, a West Midlands Police spokesperson said: "No arrests have been made. Our investigations are continuing." To donate to the fundraising page, visit gofundme.com.

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