Baby in critical condition after being shot with air rifle in Bristol

Police said the one-year-old boy suffered a severe head injury

(Getty)

A baby is in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head with an air rifle in Bristol.

Police are appealing for information after the one-year-old boy was seriously injured in the city’s Hartcliffe district.

Officers were called to a home in Bishport Avenue at 4.10pm on Friday and have arrested a 24-year-old man and 23-year-old woman.

A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Constabulary said they were not related to the baby and were being questioned as police “ascertain the events that led to this tragic incident”.

The child remains in a critical condition at Bristol Children’s Hospital with a serious head injury.

Detective Inspector Jonathan Deane said: “We’re carrying out enquiries at the scene to establish what happened but clearly these are very tragic circumstances.

“We have a trained liaison officer with the family of the child and they will be kept updated on the progress of our investigation.

“We’re aware this will have an impact on the wider community and would encourage anyone with concerns to contact their local neighbourhood team.”

Air weapons are legal in the UK and owners do not need a certificate, although they still fall under firearm legislation.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference 5216144112.