A two-year-old girl suffered severe injuries after she was shot in the head with a crossbow at a property in Liverpool.
The toddler was taken to hospital and is said to be in a serious condition.
Merseyside Police were called to the Oakhouse Park property in Walton just after 2pm on Tuesday.
Officers have seized the crossbow, which is now being forensically examined.
Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur said: "I am sure the community in Walton will share our shock and distress at the fact a child could have been hurt in this way.
"Our inquiries into this incident are at a very early stage, and we are still trying to establish the full facts, but we know it was an isolated incident."
"This incident shows the obvious dangers posed by firearms stored in Merseyside.
"We will continue to listen to all of the information we receive to help us identify and remove these weapons from the streets."
Anyone with information about firearms should contact the Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.
They can also call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their online form.
Additional Reporting by PA
