The child was shot dead as she played in her family's garden in the village of Saint-Herbot in Brittany, it is reported.

The girl's father was seriously injured and her mother was less badly hurt in the attack, while her eight-year-old sister managed to escape without injury and raised the alarm. She is said to be in a state of shock.

The incident happened around 10pm (local time) on Saturday when a gunman opened fire repeatedly.

A prosecutor has been quoted by French media as saying the man "suddenly appeared armed with a firearm and shot several times in the direction of the victims who were in their garden, before taking refuge in his home, in the company of his wife".

He then surrendered to police.

A suspect, reportedly a Dutchman who lived in the village, is believed to be in custody.

Locals said there had been a dispute between neighbours.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: "We are providing consular assistance to a British family following a shooting in France and are in contact with the local authorities."