Tragic news.
A nine-year-old girl has died following a shooting in Liverpool on Monday night (22 August).
Merseyside Police announced that an investigation into the shooting is underway on Tuesday morning.
"Officers attended at a house on Kingsheath Avenue at 10pm after reports that an unknown male had fired a gun inside the property," Merseyside Police said.
"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 and a woman also suffered gunshot wounds during the incident, with the man receiving wounds to his body and the woman an injury to her hand.
Both the man and woman have been taken to hospital for their injuries.
“This is a truly shocking incident in which, tragically, a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died," said Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims.
"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 send a direct message to Merseyside Police on Twitter or Instagram via the @MerPolCC account or to call Crimestoppers UK on 0800 555 111, quoting log 1083 of 22 August.
