Who was France shooting victim Solaine Thornton and what happened to her?

A BRITISH schoolgirl was allegedly shot dead by a reclusive neighbour in France.

Solaine Thornton was just 11 years old when she was killed as she played at a family barbecue.

Who was Solaine Thornton?

Solaine Thornton was a British 11-year-old schoolgirl.

She lived with her family at their home in Brittany, France.

It is understood the family had lived in the village for around four years and were well-liked by locals.

What happened to Solaine Thornton?

Solaine was allegedly shot dead by a neighbour on Saturday, June 10.

She was playing on a swingset with her sister during a family barbecue when the attack happened.

Her parents were reportedly sitting nearby on a bench at the time.

The 71-year-old Dutch national allegedly opened fire with a 22. calibre hunting rife.

Solaine was reportedly shot in the heart, while her sister Celeste, eight, miraculously escaped unharmed and ran for help in the nearby hamlet Saint-Herbot.

Yannick Valory, who lives close to the family, tearfully described the horrific scene as Celeste came running screaming from the garden,  reported.

Yannick said: "We were watching TV around 9pm with my wife. We heard the sound of firecrackers. It surprised me, so I walked out.

"I saw the youngest of the girls opposite come running and rush to my neighbours, whom she knows better.

";She was screaming that her sister was dead and took refuge with them.

"I crossed to access their garden. There was no shooter. But I saw the prone body of her big sister. I couldn't do anything for her, she was dead."

The shooter was arrested after first barricading himself inside his house, which is understood to overlook the Thornton's back garden.

It is alleged there had been a row between the neighbours for the last three years over a plot of land next to the two homes.

What happened to Solaine Thornton's parents?

Solaine's parents Adrian, 52, and Rachael, 49, were also shot during the horrifying ordeal.

The adults were rushed to La Cavale Blanche hospital in Brest, where they were receiving lifesaving treatment.

Adrian was admitted in critical condition and was fighting for his life after reportedly being shot in the head.

Rachel also suffered serious injuries after she was reportedly shot twice in the head and back.