BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Two teenage girls and a 3-year-old boy were shot this afternoon on the front porch of a Birmingham home, according to police and witnesses.

North Precinct Capt. Cedric Stevens said the boy and the girls, ages 17 and 16, were on the porch when a male relative may have accidentally fired a shotgun, hitting all three with bird shot. All three went to Children's of Alabama and are expected to recover.

Birmingham police Lt. Sean Edwards said there were conflicting stories, one that the shooting was accidental, another that it started from some kind of altercation. Edwards said all three victims's injuries were not life-threatening, and all three are being placed in protective custody.

Police are still looking for the male relative. Stevens said no adults were at the home at the time of the shooting.

A witness told AL.com a group of teens were on the front porch of a home in the 2700 block of 35th Avenue North when he heard a shotgun blast. Witnesses said a woman ran across the street yelling, "They shot the baby!"

Witnesses said they heard the blast and then saw someone run across the street to an apartment complex. Officers searched the small complex, and briefly surrounded one apartment but left without arresting anyone.

A young man who identified himself as the brother of the 16-year-old victim said the projectile went through one of his sister's legs and then struck the other. He said he believes the other victim was his cousin and her baby.

Edwards said the two girls were both hit in the leg, and the boy was hit in the foot.

Updated at 3:58 p.m. and at 5:38 p.m. with more information from police.