London ‘machine gun’ attack leaves young man fighting for his life in hospital

Residents say they heard as many as 11 gunshots

A 24-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in north-west London. Residents nearby say they heard as many as 11 gunshots in Lawrence Avenue, Stonebridge, on Thursday evening. One nearby said police ordered people to remain indoors after they arrived at the scene. Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at approximately 8.43pm to reports of a man suffering from gunshot injuries on Lawrence Avenue. The injured man was taken to a central London hospital by ambulance where he remains in a critical condition. A crime scene remains in place, there have been no arrests and enquiries continue.   The victim was rushed to hospital suffering life-threatening injuries shortly after 8.30pm, Scotland Yard said, and is believed to be in his 20s. A witness wrote on Twitter: "Heard shots all the way from north side Stonebridge as they were fired I counted about 17 shots. Absolute madness!!! Enough is enough!!!'" A resident told the Evening Standard: “From what I can tell, he was sitting in his car when he got into an argument with someone who then shot at him with a machine gun (at least) 11 times. "The police have told everyone to stay indoors." The Met said it has been authorised to carry out a Section 60 order, giving them extra stop and search powers. Detective Sergeant Lee Janes of Trident and area crime command said: "I want to assure the community that we are doing everything we can to catch those responsible. "At this early stage we believe multiple suspects were involved and are retaining an open mind as to any motive. "I know there were many witnesses at the scene and I would urge anyone, who hasn't come forward already, to get in touch."

---

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should call Trident officers by calling 101 and quoting CAD 7921/31MAY. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.