Manhunt launched after man fires 'at least 14 shots' from submachine gun at police officers in London
None of the three officers involved were injured during the attack which took place in the early hours of Saturday morning
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A manhunt has been launched for a shooter who fired at least 14 shots from a submachine gun into an unmarked police vehicle as three officers carried out inquiries.
The two officers outside the car and a third who was inside were not injured during the attack in Willesden, north-west London, during the early hours of Saturday morning.
But Supt Nigel Quantrell of the Metropolitan Police said the incident “highlights the dangers police officers face as they go about their business of keeping London safe.”
“On the face of it, this appears to have been a random firearm discharge,” he said. “Thankfully, these sorts of incidents are incredibly rare but I would urge the community to provide any information which could assist catching whoever is responsible."
The suspect is described as a black male, believed aged in his late teens or early 20s, of slim build and wearing dark clothing. No arrests have been made.
“At approximately 00.25hrs a semi-automatic firearm was discharged in the vicinity, causing damage to the front of the car and to surrounding street furniture,” a Scotland Yard spokesman said.
“It has been established that at least 14 shots were fired during the incident – the weapon used was a submachine gun.”
Initial inquiries mentioned two people seen cycling in the area at the time, police said It is not known if they were involved, but they could hold vital information.
“Inquiries still continue to establish who was the intended target of this firearm discharge but whatever the motive, the actions of this person or persons shows a blatant disregard as anyone could have been injured,” said DI Glenn Butler.