Man, 40, shot dead in East Acton as dozens gathered for memorial service

A murder investigation has been launched after a 40-year-old man was shot dead in East Acton while dozens of people, including children, were gathered nearby for a memorial service.

The Metropolitan Police said officers were called at 7.47pm on Friday 2 October after members of the public heard several shots at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street, W12.

Officers and paramedics treated the man at the scene, but he was pronounced dead there. His family has been told.

Up to 50 people nearby

Detectives said between 40 and 50 people were in the area when the shots were fired. Many of them, including children, were there for a memorial service.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, called the shooting a "senseless act of violence". He said what should have been a time of remembrance had left a family devastated.

Police have not said whose memorial was being held, and they have not given a motive. No arrests had been made when the appeal was issued.

A police cordon stayed in place on Braybrook Street over the weekend while forensic officers worked at the scene. Forensic tents were put up on the road.

Police appeal for footage

Detectives want to hear from anyone who was on or near Braybrook Street, Erconwald Street, the roads around them or the Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm on Friday 2 October.

They are asking for photos, video, dashcam, doorbell camera or mobile phone footage from that time, even if people think it is not important.

Anyone with information can call the police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999. To stay anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

About the area

Braybrook Street is a residential road on the western edge of Wormwood Scrubs, the large open space between East Acton and White City. Erconwald Street runs off it into the East Acton estate. The area is in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.

The street is best known for the murders of three Metropolitan Police officers there in August 1966. A memorial to them stands nearby, and a service marked the 60th anniversary this August.

People who live in the area have been left shaken that the shooting happened while families, including young children, had gathered to remember someone.