Man killed in shooting near west London memorial gathering

A 40-year-old man has been shot dead near a memorial service in west London, prompting a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Police said they were called at 19:47 GMT on Friday after members of the public reported hearing multiple shots at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton. Officers attended with London Ambulance Service paramedics, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

The force said the victim was believed to have suffered a gunshot wound. A post-mortem examination was scheduled to establish the cause of death. His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie said the shooting had taken place as a large group gathered for a memorial. Police believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when the incident occurred. Howie described the killing as a senseless act of violence and urged anyone with information to contact investigators.

He said people who knew what had happened should come forward, even if they believed their information was insignificant. Officers appealed to anyone who was in Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, nearby roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 18:00 and 20:00 to recall what they saw. Police specifically asked about people carrying or concealing weapons, suspicious behaviour by people on bicycles and vehicles being driven at speed.

Investigators also want photographs, video, dashcam recordings, doorbell footage, mobile-phone footage or relevant social media material. The police cordon remained in place on Braybrook Street, and no arrests had been made at the time of the report. Howie said information from witnesses and recordings could help establish what happened and identify those responsible for the shooting.