‘Traumatised’ girl, nine, ‘shot with airgun’ during racially aggravated assault

Police have appealed for the public’s help after a nine-year-old child was shot with an airgun in what they said was a racially aggravated assault.

The reported shooting happened at around 1.30pm in Chakeshill Drive, in the Brentry area of Bristol, earlier this month, Avon and Somerset Police said on Wednesday.

The force said it wants to locate a white male aged either 17 or 18, around 5ft 11in tall, with dark blonde hair and a slim face.

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On the day of the attack, he was wearing a distinctive blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white writing, it said.

The girl, who was hit three times by a pellet during the incident, was left feeling sore, but not seriously injured.

A racial comment was also made during the incident on 2 September, leaving the child traumatised and is too scared to leave the house.

A second offender is also believed to have been involved.

The victim and her family have been referred to Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for support, Avon and Somerset Police said in a statement.

The force said has made CCTV and house-to-house enquiries.

Neighbourhood policing chief inspector Keith Smith called it a “deeply troubling incident” and it has launched reassurance patrols in the area.

“We do believe this to be an isolated incident and would encourage anyone with pertinent information to come forward,” he said, calling for witnesses and anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the incident to come forward.