A schoolgirl is fighting for her life after being caught in the crossfire of alleged gang warfare while eating dinner with her family.
Three innocent men were also injured when a gunman opened fire outside a Turkish restaurant in Hackney, north-east London, just before 9:20 PM yesterday.
Met Police revealed this afternoon that the nine-year-old girl is in critical condition in the hospital.
Chief Superintendent James Conway stated the schoolgirl was having dinner with her family inside Evin restaurant when the incident occurred, describing her as “an innocent victim of the indiscriminate nature of gun crime.”
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The three injured men, aged 26, 37, and 42, were seated outside the restaurant when they were shot. Chief Superintendent Conway urged witnesses to come forward as officers search for the gunman, who was reportedly riding a stolen motorbike.
Local residents expressed their fear of the ongoing gang violence. A woman on Stoke Newington Road, about 50 meters from the scene, said she was “very scared” of the gangs.
A barber nearby, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that he has been afraid of getting caught in the violence, citing an intimidating encounter with a group in Tottenham earlier this year. He described a “constant tension” that he fears will escalate after this shooting.
![A 9-year-old girl is critically injured after a drive-by shooting at a Hackney restaurant. Three men also injured in alleged gang crossfire. Police seek witnesses.](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girl-9-critically-injured-in-Hackney-restaurant-shooting-4.webp)
The owner of a nearby launderette also believes the shooting is linked to gang warfare, typically involving men in their 20s.
He recounted seeing a motorbike stop outside the restaurant, with the rider opening fire before speeding away. Local businesses have experienced threats and demands for money from these gangs.
Police continued to investigate the scene this afternoon, meticulously searching for evidence outside the restaurant. The Sun obtained exclusive CCTV footage showing the moment gunshots rang out, followed by a motorbike speeding away.
The footage also captured the panic as a man on foot began running, and witnesses described hearing screams and seeing bystanders jump into action to help the injured.
Armed police and paramedics swiftly arrived at the scene on Kingsland High Street. All four victims were rushed to a nearby hospital. An anonymous diner at Evin restaurant recounted using his coat to stem the bleeding of a man’s leg, describing the chaotic scene following the gunfire.
The owner of the Dalston Jazz Bar recounted how terrified bystanders fled “screaming” as the shooting began. Police later focused on a helmet left at the scene, believing it might belong to the shooter.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward acknowledged the shock felt by Londoners and extended thoughts to those affected. He confirmed that fast-moving inquiries are underway and urged anyone with information to contact the police.
![A 9-year-old girl is critically injured after a drive-by shooting at a Hackney restaurant. Three men also injured in alleged gang crossfire. Police seek witnesses.](https://needtoknow.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Girl-9-critically-injured-in-Hackney-restaurant-shooting.webp)
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson detailed their response, highlighting the deployment of multiple resources, including advanced paramedics and a trauma team from London Air Ambulance. The victims were treated at the scene before being transported to a major trauma center.
Anyone with information that can aid the police investigation is urged to call 101 or contact @MetCC, referencing CAD 8082/29May.
READ MORE: Child in serious condition, three adults injured in Hackney shooting