Girl, 15, shot dead in school uniform by ‘masked thugs on e-bikes’ as she waited at bus stop as residents heard ‘loud bangs’

A teenage girl was shot dead by masked thugs in her school uniform as she stood at a bus stop in a ‘ruthless and cowardly’ attack.

The 15-year-old was shot in the upper body by gunmen riding an e-bike in Toxeth, Liverpool yesterday.

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She was rushed to hospital where she remains in serious but stable condition.

Chief Superintendent Mark Cameen, of Merseyside Police, said: ‘It is an absolute miracle, and credit to the NHS, that this young woman survived.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in police custody.

Police today arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of aiding an offender.

Horrified locals reported hearing three loud ‘bangs’ as the horror unfolded around 5pm.

Nicola Turner, 41, said: ‘I heard three bangs and at first thought they were fireworks.

“But when I looked outside I saw a lot of police and paramedics.

“It’s so shocking when something like this happens on your doorstep. I’m scared to send my kids to school.”

Asha Hassan, 50, said her 21-year-old daughter also heard at least one bang.

“She told me she thought it was a bonfire,” the local added.

Officers believe the shots were fired by “one or more” people on bicycles before they fled.

They wore dark clothes and face masks or balaclavas.

Shortly after, a 21-year-old man presented to hospital with a gunshot wound to his arm.

Police believe the two incidents may be linked.

FIRING PROBE

DCS Cameen said today: “The actions of those responsible for this attack on a 15-year-old schoolgirl, who was waiting at a bus stop, on her way home from school are utterly appalling and shocking, even with the 29-year-old on duty.

“It shows a complete disregard and contempt they have for the decent, honest, law-abiding people who live, work and visit this city.”

Forensic teams were seen working in the area near the bus stop, which has a broken plastic screen.

Various roads in Toxteth have been cordoned off as part of the ongoing investigation.

Cops are also carrying out door-to-door inquiries and going through CCTV footage of the surrounding area following the shocking incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police quoting newspaper 647 of 1 ^st March.

Or, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously.

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