Man in 'joker mask' seen 'smashing through gardens' after two men killed in Ilford shooting
25 October 2022, 09:20 | Updated: 25 October 2022, 16:28
A man in a 'joker mask' was seen in the area of an Ilford shooting which killed two men and left another critically injured.
An investigation is now underway following the shooting, which took place in the shortly after midnight. Witnesses also saw the man 'smashing through neighbouring gardens' while wearing the mask, reported the Telegraph.
Police rushed to Henley Road shortly after midnight following reports of a fight and shots being fired. Armed officers were at the scene and three males were found with gunshot injuries.
A man, in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police believe they know the man's identity. Another man died a short time later, with work ongoing to identify him.
A third man, in his 30s, remains in critical condition.
The gunman remains at large and no arrests have been made at this stage. A crime scene is in place.
Speaking to LBC's reporter at the scene one local resident said there had been several violent incidents in the area with an assault in the chicken shop and then 'a couple of guys got stabbed in retaliation to that."
A shocked local shopkeeper told LBC residents thought the gunshots were Diwali fireworks.
"It's mad," said one local resident adding "Ilford is finished, all these stabbings and murders."
Police have since made a statement following the shooting. Inspector David Holgate said: "We understand that the community would quite rightly be shocked by this horrific incident and we share in their concerns.
"However, I can assure that my dedicated colleagues in the Specialist Crime Command are working at pace to collect evidence and identify the suspects."I ask that you can support them by sharing any information that you have."
Labour MP for Ilford South reacted to the shooting on Twitter. Sam Tarry said: "Utterly shocking; my heart goes out to the family of those killed.
"This is yet the latest in a recent wave of violence in our community; not nearly enough is being done to combat violent crime and protect my constituents. I will be having urgent conversations with the Met."
Any witnesses or those with information, video or images that could assist police, should call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 99/25 Oct.
