A 3-year-old girl has undergone surgery after police say she accidentally shot herself in the leg with a replica pistol she found.
The toddler was at her home in Ballina on the NSW north coast on Tuesday evening when she allegedly found the air pistol, which shot ball bearings but looked like a regular gun.
It is alleged the air pistol was not properly secured.
At around 7pm, police say the girl pulled the trigger, shooting a ball bearing into her leg.
Her injury was discovered by a 39-year-old man, who took her to Ballina District Hospital, where police were told of her injury.
The girl had surgery to remove the "projectile" and was later discharged to the care of her parents.
Police went to the hospital and started an investigation, which resulted in the replica gun being seized.
Charges are expected to be laid over the incident, which police say is a reminder to keep vigilant with gun safety.
