A deadly shooting at a memorial service has triggered a major police operation, with a murder probe being launched following reports of the attack on Friday, October 2. The investigation was initiated after officers were alerted to multiple gunshots in East Acton.
A large crowd had gathered for a memorial service at the crossroads of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street. Despite the best efforts of the London Ambulance Service, a man in his 40s was declared dead at the scene.
No arrests have yet been made in relation to the incident, and investigations are ongoing. While a post-mortem examination is due to determine the precise cause of death, it’s believed the victim succumbed to a gunshot wound.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is heading up the investigation, stated: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence. We understand a large number of people had gathered for a memorial service, and what should have been a time to come together in remembrance has instead left a family devastated.
“We believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when this incident occurred. Someone knows what happened, and we need them to come forward,” reports MyLondon.
“If you were around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 18:00hrs and 20:00hrs, please think carefully about what you saw. Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed?
“We also want to hear from anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage or who has seen anything relevant on social media. However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.”
The victims’ families have been informed of the death and are being supported by specialist police officers. Anyone who may have information which can assist is urged to contact police via 101, quoting CAD 7011/2Oct or upload it to the police major incident portal here.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.