A nine-year-old girl has been shot dead in Liverpool.

Merseyside Police said they responded to reports an unknown man had fired a gun in a house in western suburb of the city at around 10pm last night.

The girl suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was taken to hospital where she later died.

A man also suffered gunshot wounds to his body and a woman was shot in the hand.

Both have been taken to hospital for treatment.

Police at the scene in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, where a nine-year-old girl has been shot dead, 23-08-2022. Image: PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

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.”

Merseyside police are appealing for witnesses and anyone who was in the area and may have camera footage to come forward.