East Acton shooting: man, 40, shot dead at memorial service

Met Police appeal for witnesses after the shooting

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after the gunman the 40 year-old dead at a memorial service in Braybrook Street, East Acton.

Gunfire hit the 40 year-old shortly before 8pm on Friday, the Metropolitan Police said, as between 40 and 50 mourners, including children, had gathered nearby.

London Ambulance Service crews treated him at the scene but could not save him, and paramedics pronounced him dead there.

Officers have told his family, who are now receiving support from specialists, as a post-mortem examination will still establish his exact cause of death.

Officers have made no arrests so far, and the crime scene on Braybrook Street remained in place into Saturday.

The Independent reported that police had launched a manhunt for the gunman.

What police know about the East Acton shooting

Brian Howie, the detective chief inspector heading the investigation, called it exactly what it was.

"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence," he said.

Howie added: "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."

Officers believe the answer lies with someone who was already there.

"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," Howie said.

Officers want to hear from anyone near Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm on Friday.

They are especially keen to trace anyone who saw weapons being carried or hidden, bikes behaving oddly, or cars moving at speed.