Girls aged eight and nine accused of attempted murder

Three Californian girls aged under nine face attempted murder charges after allegedly trying to poison their classmate with gopher killer.

The eight-year-old victim found poison pellets in a sandwich, but did not eat any.

The Mendocino County District Attorney Norman Vroman has filed to the Juvenile Court outlining the felony charges against two eight-year-olds and a nine-year-old.

The Anderson Valley Elementary School students also face charges of conspiracy to commit murder and illegal use of poison.

The girls have been suspended and face an expulsion hearing on July 17.

Mr Vroman said he wasn't sure what punishment the girls would receive but the charges were filed to make it clear that such behaviour will not be tolerated, no matter what the age of those involved.

The school says it can not comment for legal reasons.