Kilburn shooting: Murder probe launched after young woman shot dead while standing with friends

A murder probe has been launched after a young woman was shot dead as she stood with friends in north west London.

Police were called to Blake Court near Malvern Road, Kilburn, just before 9pm on Friday after reports of the shooting.

Officers descended on the estate and found a 20-year-old woman suffering from gunshot wounds.

Despite the efforts of paramedics she was pronounced dead at the scene around half an hour later.

Residents reported seeing the area cordoned off as a helicopter buzzed overhead.

Video taken at the estate showed a large crowd of police gathered around as neighbours were ushered away from the scene.

Police said on Saturday they believed the victim was with a group of friends when they were approached by a gang of youths on bikes.

At least one of the attackers fired shots into the group, hitting the woman and killing her.

Labour parliamentary candidate Tulip Siddiq tweeted: “Horrified to hear of fatal shooting this evening in Kilburn – thoughts are with victim & family.”

Councillor Tom Miller wrote: "Terrible fatal shooting in South Kilburn this evening and a cordon now up. Thoughts with family and friends of the victim."

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called just after 8.55pm to reports of a shooting on Malvern Road.

“We sent a number of staff to the scene, including an ambulance crew, two responders in cars and a medical team from London’s Air Ambulance also in a car.

“Sadly, despite attempts to resuscitate her the female patient was pronounced dead at the scene.”

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “Police were called at 8.54pm on Friday, 26 May, to a woman shot in the area of Malvern Road.

“Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found a 20-year-old woman suffering from gunshot injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene at 9.34pm.

“At this early stage detectives believe that the victim who was standing with a group of individuals in the Malvern Road area was approached by a number of suspects possibly on pedal cycles.

"A firearm was discharged towards the group and the victim was shot. The suspects made off from the scene. Enquires are ongoing to establish the number of suspects believed to have been involved."

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) are leading the investigation and there have been no arrests so far.

Anyone with information should call police via 101 or contact the Met via Twitter @MetCC. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.