Detectives are hunting for a gunman who opened fire close to a busy restaurant in Hackney, north-east London, leaving a young child seriously injured and three adults wounded. The shooting occurred on Kingsland High Street, Dalston, with at least four shots ringing out as the pavement was busy with people. Police are investigating witness reports of a motorcycle speeding away after the gunshots and are examining CCTV footage to identify the attacker. The child, believed to be nine years old, is in the hospital with serious injuries, while the three adults are less severely injured. Firearms officers and paramedics responded to the scene, where hundreds of people were present. Witnesses described the chaos and fear as diners dove for cover when the shots were fired, with one person calling it “carnage” and expressing outrage at innocent people being caught in the crossfire. No arrests have been made yet, and the Metropolitan police are conducting fast-moving inquiries to apprehend the perpetrator. Deputy assistant commissioner Matt Ward urged anyone with information to come forward, while the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, condemned the violence and urged the community to speak out against such acts. Roads were closed around the area as the investigation continued.
Hackney shooting: Met search for gunman after child and three adults hurt | London
Detectives are hunting for a gunman who opened fire close to a busy restaurant, leaving a young child seriously injured and three adults wounded.
The multiple shooting happened in Hackney, north-east London, on Wednesday evening. The Metropolitan police said they were called at 9.20pm to reports of gunfire in an area popular for its nightlife.
The pavement on Kingsland High Street, Dalston, close to Evin restaurant was busy, when at least four shots rang out.
Police are investigating witness reports of a motorcycle speeding away shortly after the gunshots were heard and whether it was linked to the incident.
Detectives were securing and examining CCTV from the area to get any pictures of the shooting, the immediate aftermath and the attacker’s escape from the scene.
The child, believed to be aged nine, is in hospital. There is considerable concern about the injuries they suffered. Three adults are less seriously injured and police are trying to establish what their relationship was to each other.
Firearms officers and paramedics were among those who attended the scene. Hundreds of people were said to be in the area of the shooting.
One witness who told the Hackney Gazette he was in the restaurant and said diners dived to the floor and under tables when the gunshots were heard.
Another person said: “It was carnage to be honest … It’s an outrage when innocent people are subject to this and another example of innocent children being caught in crossfire.”
No arrests have been made, according to the Met, which described the situation as “fast-moving”.
Deputy assistant commissioner Matt Ward, who leads on serious violence for the force, said: “We know Londoners will be shocked by what has taken place tonight. Our thoughts go to all those affected. Fast-moving inquiries are under way and we will update as soon as we can. If anyone has any information, please contact us.”
A London ambulance service spokesperson said a doctor and paramedics attached to the air ambulance service and specialising in trauma – such as those caused by gunshot wounds – were dispatched via car.
The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The shooting that took place in Dalston last night was truly shocking and a horrific act of senseless violence. My thoughts are with all of those injured as well as their families, loved ones and the local community during this intensely difficult time.
“I remain in close contact with the Met police who are urgently working to bring those responsible to justice. The Met has stepped up patrols in the area as they continue their investigation.
“I urge anyone with any information to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent.”
Roads were closed on Thursday morning on either side of Dalston Kingsland station after the incident and police tape remained around the scene.
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https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/30/hackney-shooting-three-adults-child-serious-condition-london