Two men have been shot in a late-night gun attack near the O2 Academy Islington in North London, leaving one victim with life-changing injuries and sparking a major police investigation.
Metropolitan Police officers were called to the area around 10.25pm on Tuesday 27 October 2026, following reports of a shooting near Liverpool Road and the busy Angel Central Shopping Centre.
The victims, aged 33 and 27, were found with gunshot wounds and taken to hospital for emergency treatment.
Although neither man’s injuries were initially considered life-threatening, police have since confirmed that the 33-year-old suffered injuries assessed as life-changing.
No arrests have been made, and detectives are appealing for information.
Shooting Near O2 Academy Islington Sparks Emergency Response
Emergency services descended on the area surrounding the O2 Academy Islington and Angel Central Shopping Centre following the shooting on Tuesday night.
Police established a cordon along Liverpool Road, with officers restricting access to parts of the shopping complex.
The cordoned-off area included sections close to shops such as H&M and Uniqlo, as well as an entrance to Angel Central.
Both injured men received treatment from London Ambulance Service crews before being transported to hospital.
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson confirmed that paramedics treated two patients at the scene and took them both to hospital.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.
Man, 33, Suffers Life-Changing Injuries After Islington Shooting
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that both victims sustained gunshot wounds during the incident.
The injured men are aged 33 and 27.
While their injuries were not initially believed to be life-threatening, the older victim’s condition was subsequently assessed as life-changing.
Police have not disclosed further details about the nature of the injuries.
Detectives are working to identify those responsible and establish the events that led to the violence.
Senior Police Officer Condemns Reckless Gun Attack
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who oversees policing in the area, condemned the shooting and acknowledged the fear it had caused among members of the public.
He described the incident as an exceptionally reckless act of violence in a busy location near a major entertainment venue.
The senior officer confirmed that investigators are pursuing available lines of enquiry to identify those involved.
Police have also announced that additional officers will patrol the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to residents, businesses and visitors.
Members of the public with concerns are being encouraged to speak directly with officers.
Angel Central Shopping Centre Closed During Police Investigation
The shooting prompted the closure of Angel Central Shopping Centre while investigators examined the scene.
Police cordons remained in place as officers carried out enquiries in the surrounding area.
Chief Superintendent Stewart acknowledged the disruption caused by the investigation and thanked local businesses and residents for their cooperation.
Police said they were working with partner organisations to reopen the affected area as soon as possible.
The shooting occurred near the O2 Academy Islington, although police have not established any connection between the attack and an event at the music venue.
Metropolitan Police Appeal for Witnesses After North London Shooting
Detectives are urging anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information about those involved to contact police.
Officers are particularly interested in information that could help establish what happened near Liverpool Road and Angel Central shortly before and after 10.25pm on Tuesday.
Police appeal details:
- Police force: Metropolitan Police
- Telephone: 101
- Reference: CAD 7386/27OCT
- Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026
- Time: Approximately 10.25pm
- Location: Near O2 Academy Islington and Angel Central Shopping Centre, North London
No arrests had been announced at the time of the initial police statement.
The investigation remains ongoing.
