A community in West London is reeling after a shocking incident during a family fun day at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, commonly known as “Teletubbies Park,” in Ladbroke Grove. A 15-year-old boy was fatally shot in what witnesses described as a targeted assassination linked to gang rivalry. The tragedy unfolded just hours before a film crew was scheduled to start shooting a crime thriller in the same location.
The incident occurred shortly after 7 pm on Sunday when a gunman reportedly fired a shot into the air to disperse the crowd, subsequently aiming at and striking the teenage victim. The Metropolitan Police, along with the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, promptly responded, but despite their efforts, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
Six men have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the event, which has deeply disturbed the local community and attendees of the park’s annual “Park Lime” event, organized by the Caribbean Music Association. The event, which featured music, food stalls, and activities for children, was marred by the violence that abruptly ended the festivities.
Eyewitnesses recounted the chaotic scene, describing how the shooter cleared the area with an initial gunshot before targeting the young victim. The community described the aftermath as a scene of panic and confusion, with families scrambling for safety. A mother-of-two expressed her fears for her own children, likening the neighbourhood to “bandit country.
Forensic officers and detectives were on the scene the following day, collecting evidence and gathering CCTV footage to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. A forensic tent marked the spot where the tragedy occurred, and a police cordon was established, disrupting planned activities in the park, including the film production of “Fuze,” starring Theo James and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
The film crew expressed their sorrow over the incident, highlighting the tragic irony of filming a crime thriller in the wake of such real-life violence. The local community has been left shaken, with many expressing their grief and outrage over the senseless loss of a young life.
Kensington and Chelsea Council’s head, Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, visited the scene to offer her support to the community, emphasizing the tragedy of a child’s death at what was meant to be a peaceful family gathering.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation. They are particularly interested in video footage or eyewitness accounts that could help identify those responsible for this heinous act.
