HORRIFIED pals of a man shot dead at a bus stop cried and prayed as medics tried in vain to save him. A cyclist bystander was also caught in the crossfire and a third man was injured in the shooting in Wood Green, North London during a night of violence in the capital. The victim, […]
HORRIFIED pals of a man shot dead at a bus stop cried and prayed as medics tried in vain to save him.
A cyclist bystander was also caught in the crossfire and a third man was injured in the shooting in Wood Green, North London during a night of violence in the capital.
The victim, in his early 20s, was hit in the chest and killed after shots were fired at a bus stop.
Witnesses said he crossed the road before dropping to the ground in a pool of blood.
Detectives believe one of those hurt was riding past on a bike at the time and was hit by a stray bullet.
Four men, all aged in their early 20s, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in police custody, the Met Police said.
Up to nine men were seen running up the road before one of them collapsed to the ground outside a restaurant.
Residents believe the shooting was gang-related.
Local resident Seyit Hassan, 64, a retired factory worker, said: “I live opposite where it all happened.
“I heard three gunshots at around 10-something, so I opened my balcony door to see what was happening.
“There were about eight or nine guys running down the street all wearing hoods and masks.
“I saw one of them lean against the restaurant and fall to the ground.
“He didn’t get up so I went to see if he was alright. My neighbours came too. The ambulance was already there, but the guy wasn’t moving.
“He was lying on his front with his head turned to one side. So I could see he had been shot once in the chest and on the side.
“There was blood everywhere. The paramedics were pumping his chest and giving him oxygen.
“Some of his friends were there. One of them was praying for him and the other was crying.”
Passers-by tried to help the young man before paramedics arrived on the scene and began administering CPR. But he was dead within 15 minutes, witnesses said.
A 59-year-old woman who lives near the scene said: “I saw him lying on the floor.
“He was lying face up and lots of people were crowded around trying to help him. They were shouting ‘Call an ambulance! Call the police!’
“He was a very skinny boy and dressed all in black.
“He was moving his head slightly. But I think about 15 minutes later he was dead.
“There’s was a lot of blood on the floor and you could see he had been shot in the chest.
“I feel so sorry for him – such a young boy. I was crying for him last night.
“It’s the first time I see someone like that on the floor covered in blood.”
Armed police and paramedics raced to the scene at around 10:30pm, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
Another man, 24, took himself to hospital, having suffered gunshot wounds in the late-night attack.
Officers were later called to an address in Edmonton where a man said he had also been shot in the incident.
Mr Hassan said the victim’s friends ran away from the scene after cops arrived.
“It always happens around this area anyways – there have been lots of shootings and stabbing,” he said.
“We’ve got use to it. The police don’t seem to care if these kids kill each other.
“They turn up for a couple of days and then disappear. I’ve got friends who are afraid of walking home at night.”
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley said: “We are investigating the brutal murder of a young man.
“This wanton act has left a family traumatised and mourning the loss of a loved one, while two more people have needed urgent hospital treatment.
“If you witnessed the shooting, have any information or were driving in the area and have dashcam footage, please call police.
“Although four people have been arrested on suspicion of murder; I want the public to understand this is still very early in the investigation and I am sure further arrests will need to made.
“We need to take the gun and the gunman off the streets and I need the public’s help to do that.”
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick, in charge of the North Area Command Unit, said: “This is a dreadfully sad loss of life and I understand how shocked the community will be.
“My thoughts are with the family of this young man. I want the community to know that they can expect to see more officers in the area and to approach them if they want to discuss any concerns or share any information.”
Just hours earlier in East London a man was stabbed to death in the middle of a residential street.
Officers were called to East Ferry Road at around 8.30pm following reports of a group fighting and found the man in his 30s suffering from stab wounds.
They administered CPR as they waited for paramedics to arrive.
But despite their best efforts the man was pronounced dead at the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.
Police say they are trying to identity the man and inform his next of kin.
Enquiries are ongoing and a crime scene is in place, says the force.
A man nearby the scene was seen being led away by cops in handcuffs.
A London Ambulance Service spokesman said an ambulance, air ambulance and paramedics in cars were sent to the scene.
“We were called at 8.28pm to reports of a stabbing in East Ferry Road, E14,” said the spokesman.
“Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a man was pronounced dead at the scene.”
Anyone who has information on the stabbing that could help police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 7234/ 21 Sept.
