London Fields shooting: Hackney police appeal for witnesses

London Fields, the day after the shooting took place

Police investigating the shooting of a man in London Fields Park on Saturday 22 May are appealing for witnesses to call them.

Officers were called at approximately 3.30pm to reports that a man had been shot, and on arrival they found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance (HEMS) attended and took the man to an east London hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition.

His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. No arrests have yet been made and enquiries are continuing.

Officers investigating the incident have confirmed that the victim was a totally innocent bystander out for the day enjoying the festival and the sun when the shooting occurred.

It’s now known the shots were fired outside the park and one of the bullets entered the park and hit the victim, DS Steve Desmond from Trident said: “We need to hear from witnesses who may have seen people armed with weapons. Anyone with information are asked to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Chief Superintendent Steve Bending, Hackney’s Borough Commander, said, “London Fields was packed with thousands of people on Saturday afternoon, many attending a festival and many more simply out with family and friends to enjoy the weather.

“It would appear that there was a disturbance between two groups of youths and then two shots were fired, resulting in an entirely innocent member of the public being shot.

“This was a callous, reckless and brazen act, without any thought by those responsible, for the fact that they were in a crowded park. This was quite simply, appalling.

“The incident is being investigated by officers from Operation Trident.

“I know there were many witnesses to this incident and I would ask that if you witnessed the actual incident, or the events beforehand or have still or video footage that would assist, that you contact the investigation team via Crimestoppers.

“In the last three weeks, officers from Hackney borough have undertaken an intensive operation targeting gang related violence.

“This operation has so far resulted in 125 arrests for offences including firearms possession, GBH, drugs supply and robbery. Three firearms have been recovered including a Mac10, there have been over 2,000 stops and the execution of 17 search warrants.

“Whilst strong enforcement activity does not provide a long-term solution, it does bring to justice those who choose to commit gang-related violence. The operation will continue and now intensify.”