The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead in West London on Friday evening. The force confirmed the man died in what it described as a 'senseless act of violence' at around 7.45pm.
Up to 50 people, including children, had gathered for a memorial service in East Acton when members of the public heard 'multiple shots' and a 'disturbance' at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street, W12.
Victim pronounced dead at the scene
In a statement, the Met said the London Ambulance Service treated the wounded man, but despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the cause of death, but the victim is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound. While the investigation is still in its early stages, no arrests have been made, but detectives are working 'at pace' to determine the full circumstances. A crime scene remains in place on Braybrook Street.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, 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.'
He continued: '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.'
Police want anyone who was around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads, or the Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm yesterday to 'think carefully' about what they saw.
Potential witnesses have been urged to remember whether they noticed 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,' the detective added.
'However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.'
Anyone with information is urged to contact police via 101, quoting CAD 7011/2Oct, or upload it to the police major incident portal. The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
