Masked gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on a mother and her young son as she helped him from him car seat, witnesses said today.
The toddler, 2, was today in a serious but stable condition following the attack outside the family home in Harlesden.
His mother and two other men, thought to have given chase, suffered gunshot wounds. Two other children, who were in the vehicle, were unhurt. All four casualties were being treated in hospital today following the attack in Energen Close at 9.45pm yesterday.
A witness said: “I was in the kitchen and heard shots. I ran out, all the neighbours did. The two gunmen were still there, and one was still shooting. They were wearing dark clothes and their faces were completely covered. Even though we came out they continued.
“The shooter was using a pistol. I looked and saw my neighbour with her young child in her arms. The attackers left and we went over. The mum had been hit in the back and the child, it looked like the head and leg. His mother was crying ‘Please don’t let my baby die’ over and over again. There was blood everywhere.
“It was terrible, I can’t get her words out of my head. The child looked very seriously injured, we thought they were dead.
“There were two men. One chased the gunmen and had been shot twice in the arm. The other was shot in the leg. Neighbours helped stem their wounds with towels. We are all heartbroken by this, they are a lovely family and she is a good mother and neighbour.”
Forensic experts have been scouring the scene and the Met’s Trident gang crime unit is investigating. No arrests have been made. Any witnesses should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
