Girls shot while playing in street
FIVE-YEAR-OLD Kharli Morris was shot in the chest as she played outside her grandmother's house.
The schoolgirl was struck by a pellet fired from a BB gun.
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Hurt: Kharly Morris
Another girl was then hit in the back by a second pellet as the two youngsters played in Albemarle Road, Cross Heath.
It is thought the BB gun was fired from a window within a block of flats near Kharli's gran's home.
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Now police are hunting the gunman who targeted the two girls.
Officers are being supported by social landlord Aspire Housing which owns the Ashfield Court flats complex used to house vulnerable people.
Kharli's mum Rebecca Morris, of Meadow Lane, Milehouse, said: "I heard Kharli's screams and knew something was wrong so I ran straight out.
"She was crying and shouting 'they have shot me in the heart Mummy'."
Kharli, who attends Hempstalls Primary School, in Newcastle, has been left with a large red blister by the force of the pellet.
And Rebecca says she heard clapping and laughing coming from the flats complex following the shooting.
The 30-year-old cleaner added: "I am so angry. It is such a cowardly and horrible thing to do, especially to a child.
"If she had ducked at the sound of the gun going off it could have blinded her. We want these people found and thrown out of the flats – it is disgusting behaviour."
A person must be over 18 to buy a BB gun. It cannot be carried in a public place unless it is unloaded and placed in a carrier-type bag.
Kharli's grandmother Valerie Morris, aged 53, who works as a care manager, added: "These weapons are very dangerous. I don't think anyone should be able to buy them."
Kharli did not need hospital treatment following the incident at 5.30pm on Sunday.
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "The young girl was very upset after being hit by what appeared to be BB gun pellets in the chest.
"Fortunately she did not require medical treatment. Our investigations are ongoing and we are appealing for any witnesses to come forward."
Ashfields Court is a supported housing scheme for young people. It is aimed at helping vulnerable people establish a home and live responsibly in society.
Aspire Housing managing director Wayne Hughes said: "We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour and our thoughts are with the family. The incident is under investigation and we are working with the police to provide our full support and co-operation."
Witnesses to the shooting should call Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 625 of September 2, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Comments
by kiwitoot
Sunday, September 09 2012, 12:57PM
“what can i say its about right for cross heath cruel behaviour and there is just no need”
by drakewayne82
Friday, September 07 2012, 8:43PM
“Things like this is going to kill the sport of airsoft. I know its a pellet gun but still. We all need to make sure we are practicing airsoft safety at all time. If everyone could please give themselves a refresher course and read this here airsplat.com/airsoft-safety.htm thank you.”
by jiggajagga
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:55AM
“If the pellet had hit her in the eye rather than her chest I think the tone of this dicussion may well be different?”
by NZVALE
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:02AM
“It would more shocking these days to hear that someone hadn't been shot by a BB gun.”
by muzzer57
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:37AM
“BB guns can be bought anywhere, there is a shop in Hanley selling them.
They are little more than a toy in power terms so this story needs putting into perspective.”
by CptFurious
Thursday, September 06 2012, 6:41AM
“bubble23 - "regardless what firearms have been used"
Under The Firearms Act 1968 a BB Gun is NOT a firearm.
Whilst I agree that the actions of the 2 males involved is despicable (assaulting a 5 year old girl) and cowardly I agree with fiat128 that this story reeks of Daily Mail-esque sensualisation.
If it was reported as an 'assault' instead of a 'shooting' it would still be equally as damming towards the offenders but without the sensualisation. You read 'shot' you think bullet, I suspected air rifle pellet (still a proper firearm in accordance with TFA '68), was mildly shocked to find that it was a BB gun. I know they have to sell papers to make a profit but surely the press also have a RESPONSIBILITY to report the facts accurately instead of focusing on stirring up public outrage.”
by camband
Thursday, September 06 2012, 12:24AM
“by fiat128
"Have you noticed that everything reported by the Sentinel is negative? There is never anything uplifting in this rag. UNQUOTE.
The fact that you are mistaken -I often see 'uplifting stories' in the Sentinel. The fact that you don't -suggests you don't 'see' them -perhaps because you're blind to them.
Do you want me to find a couple for you? No problem if you do. Just says the word and I'll get you to them.”
by fiat128
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 11:02PM
“Have you noticed that everything reported by the Sentinel is negative? There is never anything uplifting in this rag. Are we supposed to assume that everything in this city is depressing? It's always crime, council corruption, dog mess etc. etc. Nobody in this story has actually been shot or injured, but the Sentinel has hyped it yet again. What it portrays is the supposed negative side of living in this city. It's great here and if we all pull together we can all have a better life. Let's all get real.”
by fiat128
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 10:36PM
“No - were you?”
by A_Reader
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 10:12PM
“Of course she was shot; she has marks to prove she was shot. What is the matter with you? Were you there?”