A young girl was shot in an incident believed by police to be racially motivated on Chakeshill Drive, Brentry in Bristol. The nine-year-old victim sustained three pellet shots from an airgun but fortunately did not sustain serious injuries, although she has been deeply affected by the incident. Authorities are treating the attack as racially aggravated and suspect the involvement of two individuals.
Avon and Somerset Police are in search of a white male, aged between 17-18 years, approximately 5ft 11ins tall, with dark blonde hair and a slim face. The suspect was reportedly wearing a distinct blue padded coat and riding a black electric scooter with white markings at the time of the attack.
Following the shooting, a racially discriminatory remark was uttered. Law enforcement is actively investigating the case and providing support to the victim and her family.
In an official statement, the police stated: “We are appealing for information regarding an airgun assault on a child, being treated as racially aggravated, that occurred around 1.30pm on Thursday, 2 September, in Chakeshill Drive, Brentry, Bristol.”
“The perpetrator, described as a white male, aged 17-18 years, around 5ft 11in, with dark blonde hair and a slim face, was clad in a distinctive blue padded coat and was seen riding a black electric scooter with white markings.”
“The girl sustained minor injuries from three pellet shots during the incident, which is believed to have involved another individual. A racist comment was made during the assault, leaving the victim traumatized and fearful.”
Authorities are urging any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward by contacting the police on 101. Additionally, the police have engaged in a comprehensive investigation, extended support to the victim and her family, and referred them to Stand Against Racism and Inequality (SARI) for assistance. CCTV footage and door-to-door inquiries have been conducted, and the public is encouraged to provide any footage or information related to the incident by contacting the police on 101, quoting reference number 5225247677 or by completing an online appeals form.