Police launch manhunt after mourner shot dead at memorial service in London

A murder investigation has been launched after a mourner was shot dead in a “senseless act of violence” as up to 50 people – including children – gathered for a memorial service in Acton, west London, on Friday, police said.

Police were called to the scene in East Acton just before 7.50pm on Friday, after reports of shots fired.

Met Police said that around 40 to 50 people were at the scene, including children, at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street where a memorial service was taking place.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated the 40-year-old man. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the cause of death, but the victim is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.

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.

“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?

“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.”

No arrests have been made and a police cordon remains in place in Braybrook Street.

The man’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact police via 101, quoting CAD 7011/2Oct.