A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a double shooting left an eight-year-old girl seriously hurt in west London.
The child and a man, aged 34, were taken to hospital after they were shot in Southern Row, Ladbroke Grove, just after 5.30pm on Sunday, the Metropolitan Police said.
Speaking near the scene on Monday, Superintendent Owen Renowden said the girl is in surgery but her injuries are not life-threatening and is in a stable condition. The 34-year-old man has suffered potentially life-changing injuries.
PC Renowden also revealed that a two-year-old child was also present in the car when the gunman opened fire, but the toddler was unhurt.
Sharon, who was in the area to visit her mother, said she witnessed the incident, adding that she saw gunman firing directly into the car.
“I was literally coming out of the exit to my mum’s block of flats and as I was going out I saw a guy shooting into the car multiple times.
“He was firing directly, like at close range, as if you’re standing to open a door, they were shooting directly into it.
“I was completely in shock and I just ran back up the stairs because I was really scared. Then I looked and I heard screaming afterwards, and then people coming out to call the police.”
Sharon, who did not wish to give her surname, added: “I’ve noticed in the last several years, it has become a lot more unsafe for the people here.”
The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police said, and officers are awaiting an update on the man’s condition.
A 32-year-old woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution but was not hurt.
A man who lives near Southern Row said he had previously witnessed “three shootings” in the area.
Muraad Haab, who did not see the attack on Sunday, told the PA news agency: “I’ve seen three shootings. Someone who was shooting their gun before, they shot my window.”
Another local resident said the number of recent shootings and stabbings in the area was “very sad”.
Local MP Joe Powell said several incidents in the area recently had left residents in fear.
In a statement on X the Labour politician, who represents Kensington and Bayswater, said: “These senseless acts of violence have no place on our streets.
“I know residents in the local community will be rightly concerned for their safety after several recent incidents in the neighbourhood.
“We must work together to better prevent these horrific crimes from happening, and hold those responsible to account.”
Superintendent Owen Renowden said: “This is an appalling incident that has left two people seriously injured, including a young girl who thankfully is in a stable condition this morning.
“I am appealing to the public who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. Did you hear any gunshots around 5.30pm yesterday evening? Did you see anyone fleeing from the area?
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information surrounding this incident. Your information matters, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.”
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