A child was shot in the arm as she played with friends near a park.

Police believe the 12-year-old girl had been hit with a pellet from an air rifle.

The incident happened on Monday as the girl played near the junction of Cotswold Close and Pennine Rise, Hastings, at about 7pm.

She was taken to the Conquest Hospital, Hastings, and kept in overnight.

A police spokesman said: "The young girl's injuries are not life threatening but the incident was obviously very distressing for her. Police are appealing for local people to come forward if they witnessed the incident.

"The area where the attack occurred is overlooked by a number of houses and the area is a popular shortcut. We believe somebody may have seen this incident."

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Detective Constable Sophie McGarel at Hastings CID on 0845 6070999.

Police have arrested a man in connection with the incident and released him on police bail while further investigations take place.