Schoolgirl shot in head by Taliban is responding to treatment in UK hospital

A 14-year-old Pakistani schoolgirl who was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen is responding well to treatment, hospital officials in Birmingham said last night.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital also confirmed that it had received more than 1,500 messages of support for Malala Yousafzai, who came to public attention when she spoke out in favour of education for girls.

She arrived in Britain for urgent treatment on Monday, and the hospital said yesterday: "Her condition remains 'stable' and doctors say she is responding well to treatment."