Weldon Police Chief Mark Macon said both victims were being treated at a local hospital, and their conditions were not immediately known.

Macon could not say at this point whether the shooting may have been motivated by the past history of the house, which has nuisance abatement proceedings pending.

There were six occupants inside the house, including the girl, who Macon estimated to be at least 6-years-old and the adult, who he said was a middle-aged woman.

Officers search for evidence.

At least eight shots were fired from what the police chief described as a high-powered assault weapon around 8:30. The shots were fired from a car, possibly a dark Chrysler 200, which rounded Johnston street and then crept by the Ransome Circle house, commonly referred to as the Community House.

The occupants inside the house were in the living room area, and there were also people outside. There have been no reports of those outside being shot.

The car was last seen turning left on County Road.

Macon said the Highway Patrol assisted and Halifax EMS took the victims to the hospital.

There are no suspect descriptions at this point.

Macon said his department intends to investigate the crime thoroughly. “My empathy goes out to the family. I hate to see anyone get hit, especially a child. We're going to do all we can to get this solved.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the police department at 252-536-3136 of Crimestoppers at 252-583-4444.