Bristol shooting sees girl, 9, in 'brilliant family' hurt in racially motivated attack

A nine-year-old girl was shot three times in what police have described as a racially motivated attack.

The youngster, who was hurt after the horror, is now afraid to leave her home. Neighbours in Brentry, Bristol, have rallied to support the "brilliant" family, while police hunt two suspects, including a white male, thought to be 17 to 18 years old.

The girl was shot with an airgun at around 1.30pm on Thursday September 2, an incident which has spooked the community in the leafy suburb in the north of Bristol. One neighbour said: "They are the best neighbours we've ever had, and the best neighbours anyone could ever have. What more can you ask for? She's like a daughter to us. They wouldn't hurt a fly.

"She's only a young mum with three kids and yet she helps me out so much, she checks in on our house when we're away. She'll help me with my shopping and make sure I'm OK. They are a brilliant family. Just brilliant."

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Police say they are seeking a white male, aged 17-18 years old, who is roughly 5ft 11ins tall, with dark blonde hair and a slim face. After the girl was shot, a racial comment was made, it is understood. Now, Avon and Somerset Police are supporting the community, after what it called a "deeply troubling incident".

But the worried neighbour continued: "Unfortunately nothing was caught on our camera as a tree was in the way. And other neighbours don't know anything about it. It's awful - such a violent attack on their family and our community.

"We do not stand for racism or hate of any kind. I have racist people in my family and they are not allowed to step a foot inside my home. I will not stand for it.

"We recently got this RING doorbell because it's hard to feel safe - and I know the family have had one installed too after this. They are charging it at the moment.

"We ring each other a lot, they check in on me and I check in on them. It's a complete violation. It's disgusting - there's no place for this here. It has broken our hearts."

Neighbourhood policing chief inspector Keith Smith, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: "This is a deeply troubling incident targeting a young child and we understand the impact this has, 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."

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which may assist the police, is asked to contact the force on 101. A statement said: "We are appealing for information after a child was reported to have been shot with an airgun in what is being treated as a racially aggravated assault.

"The incident, which involved a nine-year-old girl, happened at around 1.30pm in Chakeshill Drive, Brentry, Bristol on Thursday 2 September.

"The offender has been described as a white male, estimated to be 17-18 years old, around 5ft 11in, with dark blonde hair, a slim face, who was wearing a distinctive blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white writing.

"The girl was hit three times by a pellet which caused soreness but no serious injury during the incident, which is thought to have involved a second offender.

"A racial comment was also made during the incident, and she has been left traumatised and is now too frightened to leave the house. We have launched an investigation into the incident, are supporting the victim and her family, and have referred them to Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for support. CCTV and house-to-house enquiries have been carried out.

"We are now appealing for any witnesses and those with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to it immediately afterwards, to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 5225247677, or complete our online appeals form."