A murder investigation has been launched following the fatal shooting of a 40-year-old man during a memorial gathering in west London on Friday evening. The incident occurred as between 40 and 50 people, including children, had assembled for the service, transforming what should have been a moment of remembrance into a tragedy.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service responded to reports of gunfire at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton at 19:47 GMT. Despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. No arrests have been made, and a police cordon remains in place along Braybrook Street as the investigation continues.
The victim's family have been notified and are receiving support from specialist officers. A post-mortem examination has been scheduled to confirm the cause of death, though authorities believe the man sustained a gunshot wound.
What investigators are asking for
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, leading the inquiry, expressed concern about the circumstances surrounding the killing.
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.
Police are appealing for anyone present in the area between 18:00 and 20:00 on Friday to come forward. According to reports from 3 October, detectives were working "at pace" to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Det Ch Insp Howie asked witnesses to consider specific details:
Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed?
He also called for any photographic, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage, as well as relevant social media content.
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 provide information
Members of the public with information can contact police by calling 101 and quoting CAD 7011/2Oct, or by submitting details through the Met's major incident portal. Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
What happens next
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the precise cause of death and provide further details to support the ongoing investigation. Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses and anyone with relevant evidence to come forward as the inquiry progresses.
Key Facts
- A 40-year-old man was fatally shot at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton on Friday at 19:47 GMT
- Between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present at a memorial service when the shooting occurred
- No arrests have been made; a murder investigation is ongoing
- Witnesses are urged to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 7011/2Oct or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
