A five-year-old girl shot after getting caught in the middle of an apparent gang dispute is a “cheerful girl who loves school” her headteacher has said.

It has emerged Thusha Kamaleswaran lives in Tomswood Hill, Hainault, and was apparently visiting relatives who own Stockwell Food & Wine Shop, Stockwell Road, when she was shot in the chest on Tuesday.

Gail Brannan, headteacher of Fairlop Primary School, Colvin Gardens, Hainault, said: “The school community has been shocked to hear of the dreadful incident in which Thusha has been injured.

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

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

Thusha is in a serious but stable condition in hospital, while a 35-year-old man unrelated to her is also serious but stable after being shot in the face.

In a statement on behalf of Thusha’s family, friend Velluppillai Navaratnam said: “It has been a very difficult time for Thusha’s friends and family.

“Her family are with her in hospital and we are praying for her to be well.”

A 19-year-old man was arrested yesterday in south London on suspicion of attempted murder and is currently in custody at a south London police station while inquiries continue.

Meanwhile, a youth believed to have been an intended target of the shooting has come forward to police.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call police on 020 8247 4553 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.