A 12-year-old girl killed after being shot dead in her own home has been named as Kamilah Peniston.
The studious schoolgirl, described by neighbours as a "little brain box", suffered a single shot to the head in the lounge of her family home in Gorton, Manchester, around 7.30pm on Monday.
She died at 9am on Tuesday with her family at her bedside in hospital.
A 16-year-old boy was initially arrested for attempted murder while the girl was still fighting for her life in hospital. But he has told police it was an accident and a senior officer has described the killing as a "tragic event".
A handgun that had been converted to fire live ammunition was found at the house by officers. Police say the killing is not gang related and officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death. Neighbours on the rundown council estate in east Manchester said the boy ran from the house holding the victim, screaming: "Call an ambulance."
He then cradled the child as she lay dying in his arms until paramedics and armed police arrived. Kamilah's two sisters also witnessed it, locals said.
The victim was rushed to Manchester Royal Infirmary but later transferred to Pendlebury Children's Hospital, Salford, where she died.
Neighbours said Kamilah's mixed race family had lived at the house for a number of years. The mother, a middle-aged woman, was not at home at the time of the shooting. Her husband, the father of the children, does not live at the address.
Superintendent John O'Hare told reporters that the weapon involved was a section one firearm which should not have been in the house. He added: "At this moment in time it is treated as a tragic event. Our hearts go out to the family and wider community that is affected by this. It really does bring home the tragic and really evil consequences of firearms within our community. It is a sad and tragic event."
The officer confirmed the 16-year-old boy remains in custody for questioning.
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