Minneapolis shooting victims named and pictured as boy, 13, and girl, 12 fighting for live

Two children who are battling for their lives following the devastating Minneapolis shooting have been identified for the first time.

Endre Gunter, 13, and Sophia Forchas, 12, remain in a critical state in hospital after 23-year-old gunman Robin Westman unleashed terror at Annunciation Catholic School and Church on Wednesday before taking his own life.

Tragically, two youngsters, aged eight and 10, died in the school shooting. Authorities have now confirmed that a total of 15 children aged six to 15 sustained injuries, alongside three elderly parishioners in their 80s.

It has now been revealed that Sophia's mother, a paediatric critical care nurse, had dashed to the hospital to assist with the emergency response before discovering it was her child's school that had been targeted, and that her daughter had been critically wounded.

Sophia's brother,who was also present inside the school during the shooting, has been left 'traumatised' by the incident, according to the girl's family, who have established a GoFundMe page to help cover medical expenses.

They wrote on the fundraiser: "Sophia was shot during the attack and is currently in critical condition in the ICU. She has already undergone emergency surgery, and her medical team is doing everything they can to stabilize her. Her road ahead will be long, uncertain, and incredibly difficult - but she is strong, and she is not alone.

"Adding to the heartbreak, her younger brother was also inside the school during the shooting. Though he was physically unharmed, the trauma of witnessing such a terrifying event - and knowing his sister was critically injured - is something no child should ever experience.

"Furthermore, her mother, a Paediatric Critical Care nurse, arrived at work to help during the tragedy, before knowing it was her children's school that was attacked, and that her daughter was critically injured. Her parents are by her side, holding onto hope while also trying to support their son through the emotional aftermath. The financial strain is enormous: ongoing ICU care, future surgeries, trauma counselling, lost income, travel, and the countless unknowns that lie ahead."

A separate GoFundMe campaign has been launched for 13 year old Endre, who was "tragically shot twice" by Westman, with one bullet hitting him in the stomach. He was rushed into emergency surgery, and is currently recovering in hospital, reports the Mirror.

Danielle Gunter, Endre's mother, told local reporters: "Our hearts are shattered - not only for him, but for everyone who was harmed. We grieve and we pray: for the others who were shot, for their families, and for those who lost loved ones."

Other children have been named among the seriously wounded, including Vivi St Clair, 9, Lydia Kaiser, and Victor, 10. One schoolmate described how Victor had dived on top of him and heroically shielded him from the gunfire.

His uncle Mike Kelly told the media that Victor's sister was also injured in the shooting, saying: "Victor is one of the brave victims who survived the tragedy that unfolded. His selfless acts help to save many, but he and his sister were injured in the process.

"Vic, along with his family, have started the long journey of recovery. A journey that involves unknown and ongoing future medical costs."

Lydia Kaiser, whose age has not been released, was also wounded while protecting one of her schoolmates, who was younger and her safety "buddy". "Lydia is in very serious condition and has undergone an unimaginable surgery," a hospital bill fundraised reads.

The other named victim, nine-year-old Vivi St Clair, was shot a number of times by the sick gunman, who brought three weapons to inflict terror on the Catholic school. Multiple bullets hit her back and arm, leaving permant fragments of shrapnel in her body.

The brave little girl fled the shooting, despite her injuries. A fundraiser reads: "Vivi ran from the church to the school gym, where a police officer scooped her up and rushed her to an ambulance."

However, she has made some recovery following treatment. The family friend who created the fundraiser wrote: "She is receiving IV antibiotics and fluids, and through it all, she continues to smile and radiate sweetness."

One of the two children killed has been named by their parents Fletcher Merkel, who was just eight years old.

On Thursday, Minneapolis police chief Brian O'Hara revealed suspect Westman did not have an extensive known criminal history, and is believed to have acted alone.

He told NBC's Today show: "Everything we've seen so far is a classic pathway to an active shooter."

Investigators have seized hundreds of pieces of evidence from the church and three residences, with warrants being sought to search devices, according to the chief.

Federal officials have identified Westman as transgender, and in the wake of the shooting, Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey has condemned the hatred directed towards "our transgender community".