Funeral for 2 Brazilian children killed by stray bullets

Mourners in Brazil called for justice Saturday at the funerals of two little girls who were killed by stray bullets while playing outside their home in Rio de Janeiro.

Emily Victória Silva dos Santos, aged 4, was hit in the head. Her cousin, Rebeca Beatriz Rodrigues dos Santos, who was 7, was struck in the abdomen.

There were emotional scenes as Emily's father sealed her grave, cementing it shut with his own hands.

The girls were shot on Friday evening in Duque De Caxias, in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

Rebeca's grandmother said she was returning from work when she saw police shooting towards the neighbourhood. At the time, she wasn't aware there were casualties.

The military police denied firing any shots. A police unit was on patrol "when gunshots were heard" but continued on the move.

Authorities are investigating the incident.

The shootings bring to eight the number of children killed by stray bullets in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area this year, according to data gathered by a group that monitors armed violence in the region.

Image credits: AP