A murder inquiry has been launched after a 40-year-old man was shot dead in a "senseless act of violence" while up to 50 people, including children, gathered for a memorial service in Acton, west London, on Friday, police confirmed.
Officers were dispatched to the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street after members of the public reported hearing multiple gunshots at around 7:47pm. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the 40-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
No arrests yet as police investigate
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrests have been made, but detectives are working swiftly to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. The force stated that a cordon remains in place and a post-mortem examination has been scheduled to determine the cause of death, although the man is believed to have suffered a gunshot wound.
The victim's family have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers, a spokesperson added. Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said the 40-year-old's life was "taken in a senseless act of violence".
Appeal for witnesses
He went on to say: "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."
The Met has urged anybody who was in the vicinity of Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or the Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm to "please think carefully about what they saw".
DCI Howie said: "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."
How to report information
Those with information that could assist the police investigation have been encouraged to contact the force by dialling 101, quoting CAD 7011/2Oct, or uploading it to the police major incident portal. Reports can also be submitted anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
