A child tragically killed in the Bondi Beach shooting has been identified and remembered by family as a “bright, joyful and spirited child”.

The mass shooting on Australia’s Bondi Beach has left at least 16 people dead, including one gunman, and 40 others hospitalised with injuries. The attack occurred during a Jewish festival on the beach, with victims including a well-respected British Rabbi and a 10 year old girl, both caught up in the horrific terror incident.

Authorities have labelled the attack a “terrorist incident” and confirmed that a 50 year old gunman is among the deceased. Police also found “several” explosive devices at the beach, believed to be connected to the dead gunman.

A second attacker, identified by a senior law enforcement official as Naveed Akram, has been injured and is currently in police custody. It was revealed that the attackers were father and son.

The identities of those tragically killed in the terror incident are beginning to emerge hours after the fatal attack. One of the latest victims to be identified is a 10 year old girl who was celebrating Hanukkah on the beach, reports The Mirror.

Matilda Poltavchenko, just 10 years old, has been named as the youngest known victim so far. Devastated family members described her as a “bright, joyful and spirited” child.

She was shot while participating in the Hanukkah gathering.

Her aunt Lina confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media, stating: “Yesterday my beloved niece Matilda was killed during a terrorist attack in Bondi Beach. I don’t know how we survive such grief,” as reported by MailOnline.

A GoFundMe campaign established to assist Matilda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, had already accumulated over £8,000 by Monday morning.

The appeal was initiated by Matilda’s language tutor, Irina Goodhew, who expressed: “I knew her as a bright, joyful and spirited child who brought light to everyone around her. While celebrating Hanukkah, her young life was tragically taken. Her memory will live on in our hearts.”

She added: “Mailda’s mother, Valentina Poltavchenko, is the beneficiary of this fundraiser. All donations will be transferred directly to her to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. Donations are made in loving memory of Mailda.”

Those wishing to contribute can access the GoFundMe page by clicking here.