A nine-year-old girl was shot with an airgun in what police are treating as a racially aggravated assault in Bristol. The victim, who has been left “traumatised”, was hit three times by a pellet, and the suspect shouted racially abusive language at her, Avon and Somerset Police said.
The incident occurred on Chakeshill Drive in the Brentry area of the city at about 1.30pm on 2 September. The suspect is described as a white male, aged 17 to 18, with dark blond hair, a slim face, and about 5ft 11in tall. He was wearing a distinctive blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white writing. A second offender is believed to have been involved.
While the victim did not sustain serious physical injury, she and her family are said to be distressed, and the girl is too frightened to leave her house. Police have increased patrols in the area and are conducting house-to-house and CCTV inquiries.
Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: “Let me be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate. This is a truly awful incident for anyone to experience, but it is all the more shocking this has happened to a young girl.” He added that officers are reassuring residents and progressing the investigation.
Police are urging anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage to contact them on 101 quoting reference 5225247677, or to complete the online appeals form.
