Norfolk's battle against coastal erosion descended into actual gunfire after a group of boys were told off for playing in the crumbling dunes before potshots were fired at them.

Two of the children were wounded after being hit with what are thought to have been pellets from an air rifle or BB gun during the row at Hemsby.

Police were called and swarmed onto the beach, where they arrested a woman who is understood to own one of the village's sea-threatened properties.

The extraordinary incident unfolded while the beach was crowded with bank holiday visitors enjoying the sunny weather on Saturday afternoon.

Locals have described their shock at the shooting which they say was triggered by heightened concerns about damage to the dunes, which are vulnerable to coastal erosion.

The group of boys - who were staying in the village while competing in a rugby tournament - were playing close to the Marrams, the road nearest to the cliffs which has lost several homes to the sea in recent years.

Eastern Daily Press: The children were playing in the dunes at the top of the cliff when they were shot at by a woman who lives at the topThe children were playing in the dunes at the top of the cliff when they were shot at by a woman who lives at the top (Image: Bruno Brown)Eastern Daily Press: The boys were climbing the cliffs and playing in the dunes/overgrowth when they were shot at by a woman who lives at the top of the cliffThe boys were climbing the cliffs and playing in the dunes/overgrowth when they were shot at by a woman who lives at the top of the cliff (Image: Bruno Brown)

Several homes on the road have signs warning people to stay away from them.

One local said: "People living along the cliff are in constant fear of losing their home. They have no safety net and are living in the shadow of constant erosion threatening their safety.

"They are extremely protective of the cliffs and the worsening state of them, which is understandable. Although, of course, there is no excuse whatsoever for anyone shooting at children."

READ MORE:  High tides claim more of the slipway at eroding Hemsby Gap 

Eastern Daily Press: Police greeting the boys outside the Beach Cafe near the Marrams in Hemsby after the first gun shot was firedPolice greeting the boys outside the Beach Cafe near the Marrams in Hemsby after the first gun shot was fired (Image: Submitted)

The boys were understood to have been between the ages of 12 and 15.

They were among several children from across the country who were staying in Hemsby while playing in the Great Yarmouth Rugby Festival, which was held over the bank holiday weekend.

Witnesses said that while they were playing in the dunes, at about 4pm on Saturday, a woman told them to "F*** off" or she would shoot.

The boys, who are understood to not be local, were unsure of how to react and remained there. The woman then left and returned with a rifle-shaped weapon.

Eastern Daily Press: Sign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff topSign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff top (Image: Bruno Brown)Eastern Daily Press: Sign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff topSign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff top (Image: Bruno Brown)

Eastern Daily Press: Sign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff topSign up at properties along The Marrams, the homes along the cliff top (Image: Bruno Brown)

It is understood that two shots were fired, hitting two boys and causing them minor injuries.

The children scattered and called the police. Within about 10 minutes, around half a dozen police vehicles had descended on the scene.

As officers flooded the area crowds gathered to see what the commotion was, while many fled the beach.

Both boys were treated by paramedics at the scene with one taken to the James Paget Hospital by ambulance.

READ MORE: Hemsby reacts as other towns get funds for sea defences

Eastern Daily Press: The crumbling cliffs at Hembsy, the Marrams, where the boys were playing when they were shot atThe crumbling cliffs at Hembsy, the Marrams, where the boys were playing when they were shot at (Image: Bruno Brown)

James Bensly, a local councillor who runs a business near the Marrams, said he hoped the incident would not deter people from visiting.

“Obviously our thoughts are with the individuals involved in this grave and peculiar attack.

"Hemsby is and always has been a nice holiday-friendly place to visit.

"We continue to welcome everybody to this area. I really hope this doesn’t cast a shadow and put anybody off.

"Hemsby is a safe place to visit but when you do visit please respect the environment and surrounding area but most of all come and have a lovely time.

"A big thank you to Norfolk police who arrived quickly and dealt with the escalating situation."

Eastern Daily Press: The bottom of the private road to the Marrams The bottom of the private road to the Marrams (Image: Bruno Brown)

READ MORE: Hemsby refused government funding for sea defences

A police spokeswoman said: "Police were called to Beach Road, Hemsby at 3.57pm on Saturday following reports of two teenage boys being shot by an air rifle.

"Emergency services attended the scene, including ambulance. One boy suffered minor injuries and was discharged by the ambulance service at the scene.

"The second boy was taken to James Paget Hospital for treatment and was later discharged the same day.

"Officers arrested a woman aged in her 50s on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a class B drug.

"She was taken to Great Yarmouth Police Investigation Centre for questioning and later released on bail."