Friends of a five-year-old Hainault girl shot in the chest as she visited her auntie’s shop have sent her their wishes for her recovery as she battles for survival in hospital.

A vigil is being kept by the bedside of Thusha Kamaleswaran, who is believed to be the youngest ever victim of gun crime in London.

The Fairlop Primary pupil is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after getting caught in the middle of an apparent gang dispute.

Her mother Sharmila, of Tomswood Hill, has spoken of her anguish.

She said: “As any mother, I have deep love for all my children and what has happened to my daughter Thusha has left me feeling empty inside.

“I cannot eat or sleep properly until she opens her eyes.

“My daughter Thusha is such a sweet, quiet and helpful child, always smiling and laughing.

“I cannot wait to hear her voice again and hold her. I thank everyone who is praying for her.”

Support has been offered to the family, by Cllr Thavathuray Jeyaranjan, a fellow member of the Tamil community, and Ilford North MP Lee Scott.

Gail Brannan, headteacher at Fairlop Primary, Colvin Gardens, Hainault, said the school was shocked to hear of the “dreadful” incident.

“Thusha is a cheerful girl who loves school and involves herself happily in everything,” she said.

“Our thoughts are with her and her family and we hope that she makes a full recovery soon.”

Thusha’s classmates have been told about the incident and a collection has raised money for her family, while gifts and a card with wishes written inside have also been sent.

The shooting also injured 35-year-old Roshan Selvakumar, who was released from hospital on Tuesday.

He and Thusha were injured as they stood inside Stockwell Food & Wine Shop, Stockwell Road, Brixton, south London on Tuesday of last week.