Police issue update after nine-year-old girl left in critical condition following shooting by motorcyclist near London restaurant
An update has been issued by police on the horrific shooting incident that occurred in Hackney, East London, last night.
The child was inside a restaurant having dinner with her family, when a firearm was discharged from a motorbike outside, Chief Superintendent James Conway said during a media briefing near the scene on Thursday afternoon.
Three men aged 26, 37, and 42, who were sitting outside the restaurant, were also injured and taken to hospital for treatment where their conditions are stable, although one potentially faces life-changing injuries.
Detective Chief Superintendent Conway, of the Metropolitan Police, stated: “We do not believe that the girl and the men injured were known to each other.
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“As with any child, she was an innocent victim of the indiscriminate nature of gun crime.”
It is believed that the motorcycle that was used in the drive-by shooting has been recovered nearby Colvestone Crescent, which police said was stolen.
It is said that officers were 'keeping an open mind' in terms of determining the motive.
Mr Conway added: “We are keen to identify other witnesses who were in the area around the scene at the time of the shooting,
“Similarly, if you were in the Kingsland High Street area at the time of the shooting and have information or footage from a phone or other device, please share that with us,
“Events such as these are rarely spontaneous. Someone knows who is responsible for this shooting that has left a little girl fighting for her life,” he concluded.
Police were called to the scene on Kingsland High Street at around 9:20pm on Wednesday (29 May), with specialist firearms officers also attending.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward, said in a statement: "We know Londoners will be shocked by what has taken place tonight.
"Our thoughts go to all those affected. Fast moving enquiries are under way and we will update as soon as we can. If anyone has any information, please contact us."
The road, which is filled with restaurants and is a popular hub in East London, was full of emergency services, as London Ambulance Service was also in attendence.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called at 9.21pm on Wednesday 29 May to reports of a shooting on Kingsland High Street, Hackney,
"We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, incident response officers and members of our tactical response unit,
"We also dispatched a trauma team from London Air Ambulance, which consisted of a doctor and a paramedic in a car.
"We treated three adults and one child at the scene before taking them all to a major trauma centre."
LADbible has previously contacted the Met Police for comment.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or contact @MetCC on X, referencing CAD 8082/29May. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Joshua Nair