Sky News interrupted its regular programming on Saturday (3 October) as journalist Leah Boleto delivered a breaking news update on a murder investigation in London.
"We bring you some breaking news here that we're hearing. Police have launched a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead at a memorial service in west London," the presenter began.
"Police say up to 50 people were attending a service in Acton when a man was shot. It happened on Friday. Police are describing it as a 'senseless act of violence,'" Boleto continued, before noting that Sky News would provide further information where possible.
Incident at Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street
The incident occurred at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street, where the Metropolitan Police were alerted to the scene by members of the public who reported hearing multiple gunshots.
According to police, the 40-year-old man was tended to by the London Ambulance Service, but died from his injuries "despite the best efforts of medical staff."
Police appeal for witnesses
In an official statement, Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said: "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."
Imploring anyone who might have seen anything to speak up, DCI Howie continued: "If you were around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm, 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."
