A man has been left fighting for his life and three others have been hospitalised after a drive-by shooting at a “suspected barbecue” in Brixton, south London.
Metropolitan Police officers, including specialist crime officers, were called after 1am on Saturday, following reports that multiple shots were fired from a vehicle on Coldharbour Lane, Brixton.
Four people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds; a 25-year-old man remains in a life‑threatening condition. Three others, aged 21, 47 and 70 have injuries assessed as either life-changing or not life threatening.
Several police officers could be seen searching an area of grass outside the Southwyck House estate on Coldharbour Lane throughout the day on Saturday.
Estate resident Robert, 40, who did not want to give his surname, said he believed the incident took place during a barbecue party.
Pointing at the grassy area, he said: “That slice of grass and the concrete is just packed at night, especially on a sunny night, in summer, like absolutely packed with people.”
Robert said he did not see the incident as he was inside all night but added: “So I think it happened at the barbecue. It was packed.”
Robert said: “I usually feel safe around here, people know each other and get on.
“There’s been a few stabbings, and one day one gun was caught, but I don’t think anyone’s ever been shot like this.”
No arrests have been made at this time, but detectives are working at pace to identify those responsible. No further details were given about the vehicle involved in the shooting.
People ran into the Payless Food & Wine supermarket when they heard gunshots, shopkeeper Moh John said.
Pointing at a shelf near the entrance of the shop, Mr John said: “I was putting something there and I heard the noises.”
He added: “It was busy, there was a party. I saw the people run away.
“So, I didn’t know exactly what was going on outside, because I was busy inside, of course, it was quite busy yesterday, so I don’t know,” he added. “But then I saw the people, some people try to come in the shop and I locked the door.”
He said the people rushing inside the supermarket were “scared”, adding he kept the front door locked for “some time” before he re-opened it.
Mr John said police had collected the supermarket’s CCTV footage of the incident.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said that a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance was dispatched as part of the response.
“We were called at 1.13am on 2 May to reports of an incident near Coldharbour Lane, SW9,” they said. “We sent ambulance crews, incident response officers and paramedics from our joint response unit to the scene. We also dispatched a trauma team from London’s Air Ambulance.
“We treated four patients at the scene. We took two of them to a major trauma centre and the other two patients to a local hospital."
Detective chief inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said that the force was working relentlessly to bring suspects to justice.
“We understand how concerning this incident will be for the local community and want to reassure residents that officers are working at pace to identify those responsible,” they said.
“This was an act of indiscriminate violence, and we will work relentlessly to bring the suspects to justice.
“It is vital that anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could assist the investigation, comes forward.”
There will be an increased police presence in the area following the shooting, the detective said.
“Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns, please speak to officers.”
Police asked that anyone with information or footage that could assist them contact 101, quoting CAD 557/2May.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
