A NINE-year-old girl has been shot three times in a “racially aggravated” attack, as cops launch an urgent manhunt.
Police were called to Chakeshill Drive, in Brentry, at 1.30pm on Thursday, September 2.
Officers discovered a nine-year-old girl had been hit three times with airgun pellets.
Avon and Somerset have described the attack as “racially aggravated” after “a racial comment” was made during the horror.
The victim suffered “no serious injury” but has been left “traumatised” and now refuses to leave her home.
Cops are hunting their suspect, who has been described as a white male aged around 17 to 18-years-old.
He is around 5ft 11in tall, has dark blonde hair, and is of slim build.
The male was wearing a blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter at the time of the shooting.
A spokesperson for the force said: “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.”
Neighbourhood policing chief inspector Keith Smith 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.”
Any witnesses and those with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage of the incident, or the moments leading up to it immediately afterwards, have been urged to contact the force on 101 quoting reference number 5225247677, or complete the online appeals form.
A nine-year-old girl has been shot in what cops have called a ‘racially aggravated attack’
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