People in Liverpool are waking up to the devastating news that a nine-year-old girl has been shot dead.
A man burst into a house on Kingsheath Avenue, in Dovecot, and fired a number of shots. The girl suffered a gunshot wound to the chest before being rushed to hospital where she died a short time later.
A man inside the home also suffered a number of gunshots to his body while a woman was shot in the hand before the gunman fled the scene. Tributes have been paid to the schoolgirl following the devastating news that broke overnight.
LIVE UPDATES: Schoolgirl shot dead and two others injured
On the ECHO Facebook page, Lynn Mills said: "Another sad loss of a life, third in a week. Just a baby, who does this? Please turn in the monster if you know anything. It's not being a grass, it's doing the right thing. Rest in Paradise baby girl, thinking of her family"
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"
Vicki Williams said: "Unbelievable 9 year's old heartbreaking, same age as my daughter rip angel!."
Ella McKenzie added: "All this “grass” and “wall of silence” if you know who’s going around murdering young innocent lads, young girls and now a 9 year old baby then tell. Call crime stoppers if need be before more innocent ppl are taken and get these victims and their families justice."
Jane Lloyd said: "So sad sending my thoughts to the family another child taking far to soon"
Jane McCabe said: "Heartbreaking,this shouldn't be happening. Rip little girl."
In a statement, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "We have launched an investigation following the tragic fatal shooting of a child in Huyton last night, Monday, August 22. Officers attended at a house on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after reports that an unknown male had fired a gun inside the property.
"A nine-year-old girl suffered a gunshot injury to the chest and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. She has since sadly died.
"Next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. 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 is also in place.
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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