London shooting injures four people including young child
Youngster and man in critical condition in hospital following shooting in Brent
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A young child and a man are fighting for their lives after four people were shot in north west London.
Police and ambulance crews were called to the shooting in Energen Close in Harlesden, Brent, at about 9.45pm on Wednesday.
All four victims were taken to hospital with gunshot injuries, where the child and man are said to be in a critical condition.
The two other victims – a woman and a man – did not suffer life-threatening injuries.
An investigation has been launched but police have not yet arrested anyone in connection with the shooting.
The area has been sealed off while forensic investigators comb the scene.
A Section 60 order was in place for the entire borough of Brent until 7am on Thursday, while a dispersal zone has also been authorised for the Harlesden area.
Detective Chief Inspector Rick Sewart, of the Met’s specialist crime command (Trident), said: “As result of this terrible crime an innocent two-year-old-boy is now seriously ill in hospital.
“This child was shot in a wanton act of indiscriminate violence.
“I know that people will be shocked and horrified that a little boy should be the victim of a gunman and I need the community to show their support for him, and his family, by telling police what they know.
“Anyone giving information will be fully supported and if you don’t want to give your name you can call Crimestoppers, which is totally anonymous.
“But however you want to do it, make that call, and anyone who is doubtful should think of that little boy and his family’s anguish.”
North West Borough Commander Roy Smith, said: “This violent incident in itself is shocking but even more abhorrent is the fact that one of the victims is a young child.
“We are doing all that we can to bring these criminals to justice and I am working closely with the senior investigating officer from the Met’s Trident Command who is leading the investigation.
The Trident team are being supported by specialist detectives from across the Met along with officers from the North West Command Unit.
“We want to hear from anyone who might have any information which could help the investigation no matter how insignificant they feel it is.
“As a child is battling for their life I urge everyone in the local community to support us by coming forward with any information that will help us make arrests.
Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 8326/03JUN. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.