MAN SHOT DEAD AT MEMORIAL SERVICE IN ACTON

A murder investigation is under way after a man was shot dead as a memorial service took place in East Acton, west London, the Metropolitan Police said. Officers were called to the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street just before 7.50pm on Friday following reports of shots fired. Between 40 and 50 people, including children, were gathered for the service at the time, according to the force. London Ambulance Service staff treated a 40-year-old man at the scene, but he died there despite their efforts. Police said he is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound, though a post-mortem examination has yet to be carried out to confirm the cause of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, described the shooting as a "senseless act of violence" that has left a family devastated. He said what should have been a time for remembrance had instead ended in tragedy, and appealed to anyone with information to come forward. Howie asked for accounts from anyone in the vicinity of Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, nearby roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm on Friday, including sightings of people carrying or concealing weapons, individuals on bicycles behaving suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed. He also appealed for photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage, as well as any relevant material circulating on social media.

No arrests have been made, and a police cordon remains in place on Braybrook Street, the Metropolitan Police said. The victim's family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the formal cause of death. Detectives continue to appeal for witnesses, saying even small details could prove significant in identifying those responsible.