Man arrested after eight-year-old girl shot in Ladbroke Grove
Image credit: PA Media
Forensic officers from the police have been present at the location since Monday.
A 22-year-old man has been detained on charges of attempting murder following a shooting incident involving a car that resulted in severe injuries to an eight-year-old girl and her father.
After the shooting on Southern Row in Ladbroke Grove around 5:30 PM GMT on Sunday, both individuals were transported to the hospital. According to the Metropolitan Police, they are currently in serious but stable condition.
Both individuals suffered "significant gunshot wounds." The girl is presently undergoing surgery, while her 34-year-old father has injuries that could drastically affect his life.
Her two-year-old brother and their mother, who is 32 years old, were also in the vehicle, but thankfully, they were not injured, Superintendent Owen Renowden informed the press.
He expressed his gratitude by saying, "I'd like to take a moment to thank the members of the community who rushed to help those who were hurt last night."
He stated that the investigation is moving quickly and emphasized that he would like to hear from anyone who has any information about the incident, regardless of how small or trivial it may seem.
A bystander who was in the neighborhood visiting her mother reported witnessing a man firing his weapon "several times" during the event.
Photo credit: PA Media
The area where the crime occurred stays unchanged.
"I had just stepped out of my mom's apartment building when I witnessed a man firing shots into a car several times," the woman recounted.
He was shooting straight on, almost at point-blank range, as if someone were about to open a door; they were targeting it head-on.
I was totally stunned and I quickly dashed back up the stairs since I was really frightened.
"After that, I glanced over and heard screams, followed by a crowd gathering to reach out for the police."
She mentioned, "I've seen that over the past few years, it has become much more dangerous for the people living here."
A police barrier is still set up on Southern Row in Ladbroke Grove.
The London Ambulance Service reported that they reached the location in under six minutes, provided care to two individuals on-site, and then transported them to a major trauma center as their top priority.
Joe Powell, the Member of Parliament for Kensington and Bayswater, expressed his shock and dismay at the recent shooting.
He stated, "Such meaningless acts of violence do not belong on our streets."
Photograph by PA Media
Scotland Yard announced that investigations are still in progress and that a 22-year-old individual has been taken into custody.
"I understand that people living in the area will understandably be anxious about their safety following a number of recent events in the neighborhood," Powell remarked.
"We need to collaborate to improve our efforts in stopping these terrible crimes from occurring and ensure that those who are responsible are held accountable."
In July, a 15-year-old named Rene Graham was killed in a shooting just a couple of blocks away while attending a pre-carnival celebration.
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