Girl shot with airgun as she bought ice cream

And 11-year-old girl was shot with an airgun as she queued to buy an ice cream outside her Merseyside home.

The youngster was hit in the shoulder by a high-velocity pellet and was taken to hospital but allowed home after treatment.

Police are investigating the incident that happened on at around 9.30 on Friday night in Lordens Road, Huyton.

The victim and her 15-year-old sister were chatting as the bought ice-creams from a van
when a gang of youths arrived on the scene.

One of the youths approached the two girls and fired an air weapon before riding off on a bike and the rest of the group fled.

The victim's sister ran home and alerted her parents who called police and an ambulance.

The youngster was taken to Alder Hey Hospital where she was treated for injuries, which were not serious.

Merseyside Police said the shooting was being treated seriously and forensic examinations were being carried out along with house-to-house inquiries.

Detectives appealed for anyone who may have seen the incident, or who has information which could help inquiries, to contact them.

Supt John Myles, said: "The illegal use of air weapons is completely unacceptable, and we will act quickly on any information from the community to suggest that air weapons are being misused.

"Clearly this behaviour could have more serious consequences and I would appeal to anyone who knows who may be responsible for this to let us know so that we can
prevent anyone else being harmed.

"This was a despicable attack on an 11-year-old girl who had gone to buy an ice-cream and I would appeal to anyone who was in the group of youths near to the ice-cream van when the incident occurred to examine their consciences and do the right thing - if you know who did this, tell us."

The gunman is described as male, white, 16-17 years, approximately 5ft 2in tall with a heavy build. He was wearing a short black jacket, black tracksuit bottoms, hat and a scarf hiding his face.

Anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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