A six-month-old boy has been killed by a stray bullet during a gunfight in Atlanta.

The tragic incident took place in the neighbourhood of Dixie Hills in the city of Atlanta in the US state of Georgia on 24th January.

The young victim’s mother told local media that the stray bullet passed through her car and struck her son Grayson Matthew in the backseat.

Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens, 47, called for an end to gun violence, adding: “Children are bearing this burden with their lives. I’m here to ask and demand that it stop right now.”

Governor of Georgia, Brian P. Kemp, 58, said on Twitter on 25th January: “Our hearts are broken for the loss of this innocent child. We mourn this unfathomable tragedy tonight with the family. Please join us in keeping them in your hearts and prayers.”

The governor added: “This kind of lawlessness must end, and these criminals must be held accountable.”

The shooter remains at large and the police are calling for anyone with information to come forwards.

In the first 24 days of January, 12 murders have reported in Atlanta, and little Grayson Matthew was the second child under six years of age to fall victim of gun violence.

Southern Center for Human Rights spokesperson James Woodall said: “It’s unfortunate and, quite frankly, it is a demonstration of our lack of willingness to actually address preventative measures that don’t allow those kinds of situations to happen.

“We’re doing a lot of advocacy around those preventative anti-violence measures such as ensuring people have guaranteed housing, ensuring that there is high quality education, providing access to nutrition.”

The manhunt for baby Grayson’s killer continues.