London police launch murder investigation after man shot dead at East Acton memorial
Metropolitan Police detectives have launched a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead during a memorial service attended by up to 50 people in East Acton.
Shooting at East Acton junction
Emergency services were called to west London on Friday evening after members of the public reported the sound of multiple gunshots. Metropolitan Police officers and London Ambulance Service personnel arrived at the intersection of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street in East Acton following emergency calls at 19:47 GMT. First responders found a 40-year-old man suffering from an apparent gunshot wound and administered urgent medical care. Despite the treatment efforts of attending paramedics and police officers, the man was pronounced dead at the scene. Police cordoned off Braybrook Street immediately after the incident to secure the scene for forensic examinations.
Memorial gathering disrupted
The shooting took place while a crowd had assembled outdoors for a memorial service at the residential junction. Between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present at the location when the shots were fired. Specialist family liaison officers informed the victim's relatives of the death and are providing them with ongoing support. A formal post-mortem examination has been scheduled to establish the medical cause of death, though investigators confirmed the victim sustained a gunshot wound. No arrests have been made, and detectives have launched a murder investigation to find the perpetrator.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the Metropolitan Police investigation, expressed sympathy for the victim's family and described the event:
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence.
Police investigation and appeal
Howie explained that the gathering had been intended as a peaceful remembrance before the gunfire occurred, leaving attendees and families traumatized. The Metropolitan Police have maintained a visible presence and active cordon in Braybrook Street while murder detectives gather physical and testimonial evidence. Investigators emphasized that the presence of dozens of witnesses makes community assistance essential to solving the case.
We believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when this incident occurred. Someone knows what happened and we need them to come forward.
- Police witness appeal window begins for Braybrook Street and Wormwood Scrubs area
- Metropolitan Police receive emergency calls reporting gunfire at East Acton junction
- Emergency medical crews treat the 40-year-old victim, who is pronounced dead at the scene
- Detectives maintain cordon on Braybrook Street and appeal for digital footage
Evidence gathering around Wormwood Scrubs
Detectives are seeking witness accounts from anyone who was near Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, surrounding local roads, or the Wormwood Scrubs playground between 18:00 and 20:00 on Friday. Inquiries focus on identifying anyone seen carrying or concealing weapons, observing individuals riding bicycles suspiciously, or noting motor vehicles driven at speed through the neighbourhood during that two-hour period. Investigators are reviewing whether suspects used the nearby park or connecting roads to flee the scene following the gunfire.
In addition to eyewitness testimony, police have called on residents and motorists to check and provide digital recordings, including dashcam video, doorbell cameras, mobile phone clips, and relevant social media posts.
However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.
The Metropolitan Police urged anyone with relevant information, video recordings, or witness statements to contact officers by telephone on 101, referencing police log CAD 7011/2Oct.
