Dalston shooting: Girl, 9, 'fighting for her life' after shooting near restaurant on Kingsland Road

Police were called to Kingsland High Street, in Dalston in Hackney, at about 9.20pm on Wednesday, after reports of gunshots.

Officers, including specialist firearms officers, and London Ambulance Service attended the scene.

Three men, aged 26, 37 and 42, who were sitting outside a restaurant, were taken to hospital for treatment for gunshot wounds. Their conditions are stable, but one potentially faces life changing injuries.

The nine-year-old girl, who was inside the restaurant having dinner with her family, suffered a gunshot wound and she remains in hospital in a critical condition.

The Met Police says the girl and three men were not known to one another.

Officers are working to establish the circumstances of this incident. No arrests have been made at this time.

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Two crime scenes remain in place - at Kingsland High Street and at Colverstone Crescent, where police recovered a motorbike that they believe was used in the shooting and which we now know to have been stolen.

Chief Superintendent James Conway said: “I know that local people will be extremely concerned by this incident. We share that concern and an urgent investigation has been launched to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“The investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.

“We are keen to identify other witnesses who were in the area around the scene at the time of the shooting.

“Similarly, if you were in the Kingsland High Street area at the time of the shooting and have information or footage from a phone or other device, please share that with us.

“This is a fast-moving, complex investigation, and we will be working closely with our Specialist Crime colleagues to establish the full facts in the coming days”.

“Events such as these are rarely spontaneous. Someone knows who is responsible for this shooting that has left a little girl fighting for her life,” he added.

The mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley said: “This was a shocking attack and my thoughts are with those affected and their families.

“I understand the deep concern that will be felt across Dalston and we will be here to support the community as more details emerge.

“We are now closely supporting the police’s investigation. This took place in a busy part in our borough and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward”.

Anyone with information that can help police should call 101 or post @MetCC reference CAD 8082/29May. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.