In what authorities are calling a racially motivated incident, a young girl was shot with an airgun on a street in Bristol. The nine-year-old victim sustained minor injuries from three pellet shots but is emotionally affected by the ordeal. The incident is suspected to involve two individuals.
Avon and Somerset Police are on the lookout for a white male, approximately 17-18 years old, standing around 5ft 11ins tall, with dark blonde hair and a slim face. The suspect was spotted wearing a distinctive blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white markings at the time of the attack.
Following the shooting, a racially offensive remark was uttered. Authorities are actively investigating the case and providing support to the victim and her family. They have issued a plea for information from the public to aid in solving the case.
The police statement reads, “We are seeking information regarding an incident where a child was targeted with an airgun in what is being treated as a racially motivated assault. The occurrence, involving a nine-year-old girl, took place on Thursday, September 2, at approximately 1.30pm in Chakeshill Drive, Brentry, Bristol.”
“The suspect is described as a white male, believed to be 17-18 years old, standing at approximately 5ft 11in, with dark blonde hair and a slim face, seen wearing a unique blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white markings.”
“The girl sustained minor injuries from three pellet shots causing discomfort but no serious harm during the incident, which is believed to have involved a second perpetrator. A racial slur was also made during the episode, leaving the victim traumatized and reluctant to leave her residence.”
The authorities urge any witnesses or individuals with relevant information or footage of the incident to contact them via 101, quoting reference number 5225247677. They have initiated a comprehensive investigation, extended support to the victim and her family, and connected them with Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for additional assistance. Surveillance measures, including CCTV and door-to-door inquiries, have been conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.