Families living close to a park where a 15-year-old boy was shot dead on Tuesday said they fear a “summer of bloodshed” as a west London turf war ramps up.
Gangs from Harrow Road and Golborne Road - separated only by a bridge - are locked in an escalating conflict, according to residents who fear that victim Rene Graham could be followed by others unless the rivalry can be calmed.
Rene, 15, was shot at a family fun day at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance park near Ladbroke Grove at around 7.20pm on Sunday evening in what witnesses described as an “assassination” carried out by a killer who leapt from a bush to fire.
Four men, two aged 21, and the others 20 and 25, arrested on suspicion of his murder have been released on bail.
A mother of three boys, aged 24, 17 and 15, told the Standard: “I’m scared to let my younger boys into the streets. Now it’s summer, things will get even worse. There will be more bloodshed, it’s got to stop.
“The schools are closed and the boys are roaming the streets. I say to my boys to keep their eyes down, don’t even make eye contact as it can be misinterpreted.”
She added: “As for the bridge I tell them not to go across alone. I am terrified they will be attacked for just where they live. The older one is in his 20s so it’s not so bad but for teenagers it’s terrible.
“When they got out I pray them will come home again unharmed. Things are getting so much worse and the guns take it to another level.”
Zena, another mother who has a son, said: “I’m terrified every time he goes out. It’s no way to live. We live everyday in fear.”
One 18-year-old said: “I had to run for my life once. They saw me and chased, it’s a no go zone.”
He added: “Guns are easy to get for a couple of hundred pounds. Sometimes they are converted BB guns to take real bullets or old guns recommissioned. They sometimes jam or misfire but you can get one, no problem and they can be very effective especially at close range.”
At the time of the attack, it is believed more than a thousand people were attending the annual Park Lime event, organised by the Caribbean Music Association, which was billed as a “family fun day” featuring live music, games and face painting.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah said: “This investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive.
“It will take us some time to establish the facts and this will be our priority in the coming days.
“We are keen to speak to other witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting.”
