Date: October 3, 2026
Reporter: Emilly Jordan
LONDON — A 40-year-old man was shot dead during a memorial service in East Acton, west London, in front of a crowd that included children, prompting a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police.
Police were called to the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street at about 7:47 p.m. on Friday after members of the public reported hearing multiple gunshots. Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and found the man seriously injured. Despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Between 40 and 50 people were believed to have been present at the memorial service when the shooting occurred, including children, according to police. The victim's family has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers.
Police said a post-mortem examination is expected to establish the exact cause of death, although detectives believe the man sustained a gunshot wound.
No arrests had been made as of Saturday, and a crime scene remained in place on Braybrook Street as detectives worked to determine what led to the shooting and identify those responsible.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, described the killing as a “senseless act of violence” and appealed to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information to contact investigators.
“What should have been a time to come together in remembrance has instead left a family devastated,” Howie said, noting that someone who was present or nearby may have information that could assist the investigation.
Detectives are particularly interested in speaking with anyone who was around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Police are asking witnesses to recall whether they saw anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles behaving suspiciously or vehicles being driven at speed.
Investigators are also seeking photographs, mobile phone recordings, dashcam footage, doorbell-camera recordings and relevant material posted on social media around the time of the shooting.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference CAD 7011/2Oct. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting, including the identity of the victim and the motive, had not been publicly established as the investigation continued. Police said they were working to establish the full circumstances and identify those responsible.
The killing occurred during a gathering intended to remember another person, turning the memorial service into the scene of a fatal shooting and leaving the victim's family and witnesses facing the aftermath of the violence.