POLICE yesterday said a thorough investigation has been launched into the shooting of a 12-year-old boy during a Police raid in Berbice Wednesday.

The lad was shot in the left leg during the raid at an abandoned house at Angoy's Avenue, New Amsterdam while cops were pursuing a man wanted in connection with a series of offences, Police said in a statement.

The wanted man, Mark Mckenzie, had also threatened to use a hand grenade in his defence if the Police attempted to arrest him, the release said.

Police said they received information which led them to the house and during a search for the wanted man, an "unusual sound" was heard coming from a wardrobe.

The ranks went closer to investigate the sound when the door suddenly sprang open and one of them fired, Police said.

The boy was taken to the New Amsterdam Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The Police ranks involved have since been placed under close arrest pending the outcome of the investigations, the release stated.

Police headquarters said legal advice will be sought and at the conclusion, the necessary action will flow.

Police said that based on information received, the boy was hiding in the abandoned house after running away from his mother's home in Stanleytown, Berbice.

The Police Force expressed regrets at the "unfortunate incident".