A child and three adults were injured in a shooting near a restaurant in Hackney, east London, on Wednesday evening. The child is in serious condition, and the adults
were also injured after shots were fired on the busy high street in Dalston, Hackney.
Police were called to Kingsland High Street around 9:20 PM following reports of gunfire near a restaurant. An eyewitness at the scene described the high street as "busier than usual" before the incident occurred.
"There was a big group having dinner in the rear. I couldn’t get my usual table, so I sat near the front window," the witness told the Hackney Gazette. After the group left, loud bangs, which were clearly gunshots, were heard. Chaos ensued as everyone dived under tables, and the witness used his coat to stem the bleeding from a leg wound until emergency services arrived about 10 to 15 minutes later.
A nearby coffee shop worker, who wished to remain anonymous, reported hearing that the shooter was on an electric bike and fired a spray of bullets. Concerned about gang-related violence, the worker stressed the need for urgent action regarding safety in London.
Specialist firearms officers, along with the London Ambulance Service and an air ambulance trauma team, responded to the scene. The injured child remains in serious condition, while the conditions of the three adults are still being assessed. No arrests have been made.
The owner of the nearby Dalston Jazz Bar described the panic as bystanders fled in terror. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward acknowledged the shock felt by Londoners and extended thoughts to those affected.
The incident, which saw four or five shots fired toward people near the restaurant from a passing motorcycle, is under active investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the police.
Forensic officers continue to gather evidence at the scene, and a police cordon remains in place. Anyone with information can call 101 or post @MetCC referencing CAD 8082/29May. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. Photo by Kingsland High Street, Dalston by Stacey Harris, Wikimedia commons.
