A nine-year-old girl has been killed in a bloody drugs shootout as she was being walked home from school by her aunt in Brazil.

Ester de Assis died when she was hit by a stray bullet during the gun battle between rival gangs in the Madureira neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Wednesday, 4th April.

Ester was hit in the head by a single shot and declared dead after she was taken to the Getulio Vargas hospital in Penha by paramedics, according to local media.

Gas worker Joao Vitor Pereira Brander, 19, is also reported to have been shot dead in the crossfire.

A 48-year-old woman named as Glaucy Custodio Vieira was also reportedly taken to hospital with gunshot wounds but her current condition is unclear.

A fourth victim was also shot in the turf war and is said to be in hospital in a serious condition.

The shootout reportedly happened as a drug gang from the Complexo da Serrinha district attacked rivals in the Morro do Cajueiro area.

Ester’s teacher, who has not been named, reportedly said after the incident: “I hate this Rio de Janeiro that kills, kidnaps, rapes, steals. Another angel has been hit by a bullet from a cursed gun.

“I’m desperate!”

The police have opened a homicide investigation.