A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at the scene of a shooting during a memorial service in East Acton, west London. Officers were alerted to multiple gunshots in the area on Friday, October 2, and a large crowd had gathered at the crossroads of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street.
Victim pronounced dead at the scene
Despite the efforts of the London Ambulance Service, the man was declared dead at the scene. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident, and investigations are ongoing. A post-mortem examination is due to determine the precise cause of death, though it is believed the victim succumbed to a gunshot wound.
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 added: "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. 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?"
How to provide information
The detective also urged anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage, or who has seen anything relevant on social media, to come forward, adding: "However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible."
The victim's family has been informed of the death and is being supported by specialist police officers. 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.
