How 11-year-old British girl was shot dead in France

In a tragic incident in northwestern France, an 11-year-old British girl lost her life and her father was gravely injured when their Dutch neighbor opened fire on them, according to authorities.

The distressing event took place in the village of Saint-Herbot near Quimper in Brittany on Saturday evening while the family was in their garden. The preliminary investigation suggests that their neighbor suddenly appeared with a firearm.

At approximately 10:00 pm (2000 GMT), law enforcement officials swiftly intervened in response to the sound of gunfire, as stated by Quimper public prosecutor Carine Halley in a Sunday statement.

Tragically, the 11-year-old girl was discovered deceased at the scene, while her father suffered life-threatening injuries, according to the magistrate.

The mother’s life was not in immediate danger, and another child remained unharmed but in a state of shock, shared prosecutor Halley.

The alleged shooter has been identified as a 71-year-old Dutch pensioner living in the vicinity.

While the motive for the shooting is still under investigation, initial findings suggest a long-standing dispute between the two neighbors regarding a piece of land that adjoins their properties, added Halley.

According to a police source, the neighbor discharged his rifle through a hedge before returning to his residence along with his wife.

Both the neighbor and his wife surrendered to the authorities and have been arrested.

The public prosecutor’s office has initiated an investigation, charging the neighbor with voluntary manslaughter of a minor and attempted voluntary manslaughter.