6-year-old girl among two killed in Middeniya shooting

A 39-year-old man and his 6-year-old daughter were killed in a shooting in Middeniya last night. 

Police said unidentified assailants fired on a man who was traveling on a motorbike with his son and daughter at about 10.15pm. The father died on the spot while his two children also suffered serious gunshot wounds. 

The two injured children were rushed to Middeniya Hospital and thereafter transferred to the Tangalle and Embilipitiya Hospitals. The daugher succumbed to her injuries at the Tangalle Hospital while the son, who is in critial condition, is still being treated at the Embilipitiya Hospital. 

Police suspect a T-56 assault rifle had been used to carry out the shooting. The Walasmulla Magistrate is to conduct a magisterial inquiry at the location today. Investigations are ongoing to arrest the suspects. 

Shooting incidents have continued this year with 14 shooting cases  reported this year and the death toll rising to 11, according to Police Media Spokesperson SSP Buddhika Manathunga.

Police have identified that seven of these incidents were  carried out by organised crime groups.

Twenty-five persons have been arrested over the incidents while three T-56 weapons and five pistols have been seized.