Girl aged three is shot in the head by her elder sister

Somma Chapman had been watching a DVD at home when her sister, six, let off an air gun, in what police described as a terrible accident.

The pellet travelled to the centre of the girl's brain. Doctors fear that trying to remove it could be fatal.

Although the youngster is in a stable condition in hospital, it could be weeks before they know if any long-term damage has been caused.

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The accident happened in a bedroom at Somma's home, the Normacot Hotel public house in Stoke-on-Trent, where her stepfather Christopher Probert is the landlord.

She was watching a DVD on Monday evening with her sister, who has not been named. Detective Inspector Wayne Jones of Staffordshire Police, said: "At 9.10pm the elder sister came downstairs to fetch her mother upstairs.

"She discovered Somma in a collapsed state and called an ambulance."

At that stage, the family did not know what was wrong with Somma.

But staff at the University-Hospital of North Staffordshire found the pellet and told police that the girl had been shot.

"A scan revealed that an air weapon pellet was lodged in the centre of her brain.

"The pellet had entered from behind Somma's left ear."

Somma was transferred to a neuro-surgical unit at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, where she remains.

Her condition was initially described as serious but has since improved.

"She is now in a stable and comfortable condition. She is sitting up watching television and talking to her family who are by her bedside," he said.

"The pellet has not been removed. The intention is to leave it where it is and hope she will make a full recovery.

"The six-year-old sister was holding the air gun when the pellet was fired.

"We are not confirming what type of air weapon it is at this time."

"A lot of people don't realise how dangerous weapons like these are.

"Some consider them no more than toys but they should be kept secure and away from children, particularly during school holidays."

Police are expected to discuss with the Crown Prosecution Service whether any charges could be laid.

"Our inquiry is now focused on discovering the particulars about the ownership of the weapon, why it was where it was and how it was accessible," Detective Inspector Jones said.

"Having said that we are totally convinced it is a terrible accident.

"The whole family are distressed. It is too early to say if charges will follow and the thought of that is the last thing the family needs at the moment.

"However, we will be speaking to CPS in due course."