A COUNCILLOR has urged the local community to help catch a sniper who shot a two-year-old girl in the head with an airgun.

Little Noorsadia Akhter was left with a pellet embedded in her forehead after the gunman fired into the street from a derelict building.

The toddler was sitting on a pushchair when she was hit as her mother, Noor Nahar, was walking to school from their home in Cockroft Grove, Barkerend, Bradford, at 1pm on Wednesday.

Noorsadia was rushed to hospital where she underwent emergency treatment and had the pellet removed. She is now recovering at home.

Police are appealing for public help to trace the mystery gunman.

Councillor Hassan Khan (Lab, Bowling and Barkerend) urged the community to act against the perpetrator and contact the police with any information.

Cllr Khan said: "This is an horrific act and the little child is lucky to be alive. My heart goes out to her family who must be going through the most difficult time of their lives.

"I work very closely with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and the safety of our constituents is number one priority. I am sure the police will use all their resources available to bring the perpetrator before the courts. I urge the community to act against the perpetrator and anyone who has any information should come forward and contact the police."

Cllr Khan said he knew the family and would be visiting them to offer his support.

Noorsadia's uncle, Nijam Mohammed, said the family was receiving support from the local community. He said his niece had been seen again by a doctor and she was making good progress, although she may need a course of antibiotics for the wound.

Mr Mohammed said: "We are very grateful for all the support we have had and we know the police are doing all they can to catch the person responsible. We would again urge anyone with information to come forward."

The family, which fled persecution in their native Burma six years ago, said the little girl was saved by her hair, which cushioned the pellet.

Sergeant James Firth, of the Bradford East Area Neighbourhood Team, said: "Extensive inquiries have been carried out into this incident and these are continuing.

"This appears to be an isolated incident, however we are keen to catch whoever was responsible before there are any further occurrences.

"Extra patrols are operating in the area and neighbourhood officers are willing to speak to residents who may have concerns.

"Anyone who might have information about who was involved is asked to contact the Bradford East Area Neighbourhood Team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111."