A 9-year-old girl is fighting for her life as four people were injured in a “drive by” style shooting in front of a restaurant in Hackney, east London, on Wednesday evening.
The girl remains in critical condition, while three men aged 26, 37, and 42 also injured in the incident are reported to be in a stable condition, Chief Superintendent James Conway from the Metropolitan Police told a press conference on Thursday.
The four victims were shot from a passing motorcycle while eating at Evan Turkish restaurant on Kingsland High Street at about 9:20 p.m. on Wednesday.
The 9-year-old girl was inside the restaurant having dinner with her family when she suffered a gun shot wound, while the three men all sat outside.
It is believed the girl and the other men injured were not known to each other.
Officers, including specialist firearms officers, and London Ambulance Service reached the scene within minutes of the crime being reported.
Mr. Conway said: “The investigation is being led by our specialist crime colleagues and we’re supporting them with specialist local officers as we conduct fast-time inquiries to identify and apprehend those responsible and to establish the motive behind the shooting.
“The investigation is at an early stage and we’re keeping an open mind as to that motive.
“We’re keen to identify other witnesses who were in the area around the scene at the time of the shooting,” he said.
Police have since recovered a stolen motorbike they believe was used in the shooting.
No arrests have been made at this time.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said in a statement: “We know Londoners will be shocked by what took place last night.
“A fast-moving inquiry is underway and we will update as soon as we can.”
“Our thoughts go to all those affected,” added Mr. Ward.
A London Ambulance spokesperson said in an email to The Epoch Times: “We sent resources to the scene, including ambulance crews, advanced paramedics, incident response officers, and members of our tactical response unit.
“We also dispatched a trauma team from London Air Ambulance, which consisted of a doctor and a paramedic in a car.”
“We treated three adults and one child at the scene before taking them all to a major trauma centre,” the spokesperson added.
The Met Police have appealed to witnesses or anyone with information to come forward and contact the Met or Crimestoppers.
