A nine-year-old girl has been shot three times with an airgun in a ‘racially aggravated assault’ as police launch a hunt for a teenager.
The little girl is understood to have been hit thrice by a pellet at around 1.30pm in Chakeshill Drive, Brentry in Bristol, United Kingdom, on September 2.
While the pellet caused soreness, the young girl was not seriously injured during the incident, which is thought to have involved a second offender.
A racial comment was also made and has left the nine-year-old traumatised and ‘too frightened’ to leave the house.
Avon and Somerset Police have since launched a probe and are searching for an offender, who is estimated to be between 17 and 18 years old.
The force are searching for a white male, around 5ft 11in tall, with dark blonde hair, a slim face in relation to the incident.
They have also said he was wearing a ‘distinctive’ blue padded coat while riding a black electric scooter with white writing.
An investigation has been launched with cops supporting the victim and her family, who have been referred to Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for support.
House-to-house and CCTV enquiries have also been carried out into the incident.
A nine-year-old girl has been shot three times with an airgun in a ‘racially aggravated assault’ as police launch a hunt for a teenager in relation to the incident
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: ‘This is a deeply troubling incident targeting a young child and we understand the impact this has had, not only on the victim and their family but also the wider community.
‘Officers are actively pursuing lines of enquiry and there will continue to be reassurance patrols in the area. We would also like to stress that at this time we do believe this to be an isolated incident and would encourage anyone with pertinent information to come forward.’
The force are calling for witnesses, as well as anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the incident, or the moments in the run up or afterwards.
If you have any information regarding the incident, call Avon and Somerset Police on 101 quoting reference number 5225247677, or via their online appeals form. (Daily Mail)
