Liverpool is in a state of 'anger, disbelief and devastation' this morning after the horrific killing of a 9-year-old girl.
The nine-year-old child was inside a house on Kingsheath Avenue, in Dovecot, when a man burst into the property and fired a number of shots. The girl suffered a gunshot wound to the chest before being rushed to hospital where she died a short time later. A man inside the home also suffered a number of gunshots to his body while a woman was shot in the hand before the gunman fled the scene.
Political leaders across the city and region have spoken of their shock and fury at the tragedy. Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson said: "This is absolutely devastating. My thoughts and condolences go to her family and friends. The pain you must feel right now is unimaginable. This is a tragedy that will shake our communities. We will do everything we can to support the city and those affected."
LIVE UPDATES: Schoolgirl shot dead and two others injured
Mayor Anderson pointed out that the unspeakable crime happened on the 15th anniversary of the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, who was shot dead in Croxteth in 2007. She added: "15 years to the day that Rhys Jones was murdered, another innocent child of our city becomes a victim to gun crime. Has nothing been learned? Enough is enough. This is an appalling act of evil. If you know something, you must come forward. Guns have no place in our communities."
Cabinet member Harry Doyle is a councillor for the local area, and said he was lost for words at the tragic news. He said: "I actually don’t know what to tweet right now. Words fail me. Anger. Disbelief. Devastation. This little girl was 9. There is no place for guns on our streets, not in our community, not in any community."
Emily Spurrell, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside, said: “I am appalled by the shocking incidents which have taken place overnight including the heart-breaking murder of an innocent 9-year-old girl. My thoughts are with the family and friends of those affected.
"Every piece of information is vital to ensure we bring the despicable individuals responsible to justice. Information from the community is crucial for investigations and I would urge anybody with information to contact the Police or Crimestoppers. I am working closely with Merseyside Police and further information will be provided as soon as possible.”
Speaking on BBC Breakfast this morning, Liverpool Wavertree MP Paula Barker said: "It is obviously devastating and it comes 15 years to the day after Rhys Jones was senselessly murdered on the streets of our city as well. It is completely unacceptable and this mindless violence simply has to stop. I think, as a city, we come together in adversity and I know people in Liverpool will be absolutely horrified this morning."
Assistant Chief Constable Jenny Sims said: “This is a truly shocking incident in which tragically a young and innocent girl has been shot and sadly died. 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.”
The tragic shooting of the schoolgirl came just hours after 28-year-old Ashley Dale was killed after being shot in Old Swan on Sunday. Police believe the Knowsley Council worker was not the intended target of the brutal attack.
City campaigner Frances Molloy reacted to both incidents, tweeting: "Heartbreaking and horrific news that a 28 year old and now a 9 year old girl have been shot in their homes in the last two days. What is happening in this city? My sincere condolences to both their families."
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC or call @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 1083 of August 22.
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