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Brave gun victim Sean Scully manages to smile in hospital less than two weeks after escaping death in a horrific shooting.

The six-year-old suffered catastrophic damage to his spinal cord after being hit just below the neck in Ballyfermot, West Dublin, on June 13.

Despite his horrific injuries, little Sean can be seen in our picture sitting up in a wheelchair alongside his parents Karl and Gillian at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, Dublin.

A plaster on the neck of the schoolboy, who has to be fed through a tube up his nose, is believed to cover the entry wound of the bullet that hit him during the gun attack.

Gardai have yet to arrest two men believed to be behind the attack.

A source last night said that Sean is a little fighter and his parents are helping him to remain positive while getting the treatment he needs.

The source said: “Sean is such a brave little fella. People a lot older than him would struggle to get through what he has in the last few weeks.

“He is a happy youngster who always has a smile on his face. His parents are giving him loads of love and support which is certainly helping.”

It’s believed that little Sean is set to start rehabilitation treatment soon in a bid to help him with his life long injuries.

Doctors have been assessing whether he will suffer permanent paralysis after the attack.

The source added: “Sean’s parents were told that there is huge damage to his spinal cord.

“The impact from the bullet was so much on his small body.

“The people who did this have destroyed an innocent boy’s life.

“He is going to be in rehab for months. At the end of the day it’s the last place a young boy should be.

“It’s summer time and he should be out running around with pals.”

Sean had been playing with friends in the housing estate when a row broke out between a relative

and two brothers who live in the area.

The men then left Croftwood Gardens and returned with a handgun.

The intended victim tried to run into a house when the gunman fired - missing the man and hitting Sean.

It is understood the bullet went through Sean’s body above his collarbone and ruptured nerves in his neck.

Gardai performed first aid on Sean before the ambulance arrived.

They stemmed the blood flow and tried to keep the child calm.

Sean’s uncle, Keith Lyons, was later arrested by cops - but was not a suspect for the shooting.

He was questioned about the withholding of information

but later released without charge.

Gardai have identified a “suspect or suspects” in their investigations.