Ice cream girl shot with air gun

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An 11-year-old girl was shot with an air gun as she queued at an ice cream van on Merseyside.

The girl was with her 15-year-old sister, talking to the ice cream seller on Lordens Road, Huyton, when a youth on a bike fired the pellet at her.

It happened at 2130 BST on Friday. She was taken to hospital but is now recovering at home.

Supt John Myles of Merseyside Police said it was a "despicable attack". The boy was with a gang at the time.

Do the right thing - if you know who did this, tell us Supt John Myles, Merseyside Police

When the shot was fired the rest of the group fled, said police.

The victim's sister ran home where she alerted her parents and an ambulance was called.

House-to-house enquiries are being carried out in the area and police patrols have been increased.

Mr Myles added: "This was a despicable attack on an 11-year-old girl who had gone to buy an ice-cream.

"I would appeal to anyone who was in the group of youths...to examine their consciences and do the right thing - if you know who did this, tell us."

The attacker is described as 16-17 years-old, about 5ft 2ins (1.5m) tall and of heavy build.

"He was wearing a short black jacket, black tracksuit bottoms, hat and a scarf hiding his face."