Ladbroke Grove gunman 'fired directly into car' and left girl, 8, in hospital

A police cordon at the scene on Southern Grove in Ladbroke Grove, west London, after an eight-year-old girl was seriously injured when she was shot in "an appalling incident". The child, who is now in a stable condition, and a 34-year-old man who was also injured were taken to hospital after being shot just after 5.30pm on Sunday. Picture date: Monday November 25, 2024.
-Credit: (Image: © 2024 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)


A gunman reportedly directly into a car in the Ladbroke Grove double shooting that left an eight-year-old girl seriously hurt. The girl, who is in hospital in a stable condition, was shot alongside a 34-year-old man in Southern Row, West London, just after 5.30pm on Sunday, November 24.

Sharon, who was in the area to visit her mother, told the PA news agency: “The guy was shooting directly into a car. I was literally coming out of the exit to my mum’s block of flats and as I was going out I saw a guy shooting into the car multiple times.

“He was firing directly, like at close range, as if you’re standing to open a door, they were shooting directly into it. I was completely in shock and I just ran back up the stairs because I was really scared.

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“Then I looked and I heard screaming afterwards, and then people coming out to call the police.”

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Sharon, who did not wish to give her surname, added: “I’ve noticed in the last several years, it has become a lot more unsafe for the people here.”

'These senseless acts of violence have no place on our streets'

Local MP Joe Powell said several incidents in the area recently had left residents in fear.

In a statement on X the Labour politician, who represents Kensington and Bayswater, said: “These senseless acts of violence have no place on our streets. I know residents in the local community will be rightly concerned for their safety after several recent incidents in the neighbourhood.

“We must work together to better prevent these horrific crimes from happening, and hold those responsible to account.”

The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening, the Metropolitan Police said, and officers are awaiting an update on the man’s condition.

A 32-year-old woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution but was not hurt.

Superintendent Owen Renowden said on Monday: “This is an appalling incident that has left two people seriously injured, including a young girl who thankfully is in a stable condition this morning.

“I am appealing to the public who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. Did you hear any gunshots around 5.30pm yesterday evening? Did you see anyone fleeing from the area?

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information surrounding this incident. Your information matters, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.”

Witnesses can contact police on 101, giving the reference CAD5238/24NOV, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.