Man shot dead in East Acton as people gather for memorial service

A murder investigation has been launched after a 40-year-old man was shot dead in a “senseless act of violence” as up to 50 people – including children – gathered for a memorial service in west London.

The Met Police said it was called to the scene at 19:47 GMT on Friday after multiple shots had been heard by members of the public at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of medics.

No arrests have been made and a police cordon remains in place in Braybrook Street. Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The victim’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the cause of death, but the victim is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound, the force said.

Det Ch Insp Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: “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.

“We believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when this incident occurred. Someone knows what happened and we need them to come forward.”

He has asked anyone who was around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 18:00 and 20:00, to “please think carefully about what you saw”.

He added: “Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed?

“We also want to hear from anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage or who has seen anything relevant on social media.

“However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.”

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