A major manhunt is under way in south London after four people were injured in what police are treating as an act of “indiscriminate violence”, with reports that the attack was a drive-by shooting.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to Coldharbour Lane in Brixton shortly after 1am on Saturday following reports that a firearm had been discharged. A 25-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after sustaining what police described as life-threatening injuries. Three other victims, aged 21, 47 and 70, were also taken to hospital.
The London Ambulance Service confirmed the scale of the response. “We treated four patients at the scene,” a spokesperson said. “We took two of them to a major trauma centre and the other two patients to a local hospital.” Reports indicate a barbecue had been taking place in the area shortly before the shooting. Photographs from the scene show forensic officers working within a cordon as the investigation got under way.
No arrests have been made and the suspect or suspects remain at large. Detectives have stressed they are working “at pace” to identify those responsible.
Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo acknowledged the impact of the incident on the local community. “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,” he 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.”
Inquiries into the circumstances of the firearm discharge are continuing, with officers pursuing multiple lines of inquiry. Anyone with information has been urged to contact the Metropolitan Police.
