In a span of just 15 days, six people, including a nine-year-old girl, have been injured in separate shootings across London. The wave of gun violence has left communities shaken and authorities scrambling for answers.
The series of incidents began on May 29, when nine-year-old Lissel Maria was shot while dining with her family at the Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street in Dalston. Three men, aged 37, 42, and 44, who were sitting outside the restaurant, were also struck by bullets fired from a stolen motorbike. Lissel remains in critical condition, while the men have been discharged from the hospital.
Just a week later, on June 5, a 23-year-old man was shot in broad daylight on Wren Road in Dagenham. He was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Two men and a woman have since been charged in connection with the incident.
The most recent shooting occurred on June 10 in Ogilby Street, Woolwich, where a man in his 20s sustained life-changing injuries. He remains in serious condition, and police are appealing for information.
Timeline of Incidents
Dalston Shooting
When: 9:15 PM, May 29, 2024 Where: Evin Restaurant, Kingsland High Street, Dalston
Nine-year-old Lissel Maria and three men were shot while dining at the Evin restaurant. The suspect fled on a Ducati Monster motorbike, which was stolen in 2021. Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway suspects a link to Turkish-originating organized crime.
Quote from Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway: “Our investigation team has been working tirelessly to piece together what happened and to identify the dangerous individual responsible for this shocking and indiscriminate act of violence.
Dagenham Shooting
When: 1:06 PM, June 5, 2024 Where: Wren Road, Dagenham
A 23-year-old man was shot and hospitalized. Luke Parr, 23, and Troy Eugene, 23, have been charged with various offenses, including attempted murder and possession of a firearm. A 22-year-old woman was also arrested but later bailed.
Quote from Detective Constable Nick Fletcher: “Finding those who carry and use firearms is one of our top priorities in order to protect our communities from serious violence and harm.
Woolwich Shooting
When: 10:35 PM, June 10, 2024 Where: Ogilby Street, Woolwich
A man in his 20s was shot and is now in a serious condition. Police are urging witnesses to come forward.
Quote from Detective Constable Nick Fletcher: “The victim of this shooting remains seriously ill and we are doing everything we can to find the person or people responsible for this attack.
Rising Gun Crime
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 6,645 offences involving firearms in the year ending June 2023, a one per cent increase from the previous year. The National Crime Agency (NCA) has identified the suppression of gun availability as a national priority.
Authorities believe that firearms reach gangs through criminal networks that smuggle them from Europe hidden in vehicles.
Call to Action
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the police on 101 or reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously.
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