A FIVE-YEAR-OLD child shot her brother in the head with an airgun, the boys grandfather said today.

Rashid Rullah, who is 18-months-old, had been playing in his familys back garden with his father and sister when the tragic accident happened shortly before 7pm yesterday in Washwood Heath, Birmingham.

His father, handyman Bakht Zaman, was using the gun for target practice moments before the accident.

He then turned his back to answer his mobile phone.

But the 29-year-old left the gun loaded in preparation for his next shot.

The boys grandfather Bakht Rammand, 48, said: There are no words to describe it really. The whole road loves them.

The toddler remains in a critical condition in Birmingham Childrens Hospital.

Mr Rammand said the boys mother Fazilat Zaman, 25, had spent the night at Birminghams Childrens Hospital but was now sleeping at home before returning to her sons bedside.

He said his grandson remained unconscious and seriously ill in hospital after his sister Asna Almas shot him.

Doctors were unable to operate on the boy as he was still unconscious, he said.

Mr Rammand said: The children usually come down here about 10.30am and spend all day, every day with us. At 4pm they usually go home. When they went home yesterday they were playing with their dad in the garden.

He was target practising with the gun and then somebody rang his mobile. The gun was ready to fire and he answered the phone.

Rashids sister is really active and she got hold of the gun and pointed it at her brother. He was on the high ground and she was on the low ground. It hit him right in the middle of the back of his head.

Everybodys in shock.