A nine-year-old girl has been shot and killed in her own home by an unknown gunman who is still at large. The tragedy took place on Monday night in Knotty Ash, Liverpool.
Merseyside Police attended an address on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after receiving reports of a gun being fired. The young victim - who has not yet been identified - was left in critical condition after suffering a gunshot wound to the chest and immediately rushed to hospital.
She was sadly pronounced dead a short time later, the Mirror reports. Her next-of-kin have been informed with specially trained family liaison officers working to support them.
A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman suffered a gunshot injury to her hand during the incident inside the house. They have both been taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
An investigation is underway and house-to-house, CCTV and forensic enquiries are in the process of being carried out. A cordon remains in place this morning. There is a large police and media presence on the road. Tributes have been paid online.
Ste Smith: "So heartbreaking can’t imagine what her family are going through it’s sickening as a parent myself to see these headlines I hope to god the attacker gets caught and gets what they deserve! RIP little angel."
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died. Our thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends at this very difficult time.
"No parent should ever have to suffer the loss of a child in these dreadful circumstances. This crime is abhorrent and our communities must come forward and tell us who is responsible.
“This cowardly individual does not deserve to be walking the streets and I would urge those who know anything to speak to us and tell us what they know so that we can put the person responsible behind bars where they belong. We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry as a matter of urgency and would ask for dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage from anyone who lives, works or was visiting the area of Kingsheath Avenue last night.”
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of August 22.
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