A nine-year-old girl shot in Dalston while having a meal with her family is still 'critical but stable' 19 days after the incident. The drive-by shooting on Kingsland High Street on May 29 saw three adults also injured.
Police have not yet caught the shooter. In a fresh update during a press briefing at New Scotland Yard, Commander Paul Brogden told media that 'gang involvement' was a line of inquiry. He told MyLondon that the community will understandably be 'frightened' following the shooting.
READ MORE: Dad kept guns in his children's underwear draw with Class A drugs
Commander Brogden added: "Obviously, the Dalston incident was tragic "Our heart goes out to that young girl, who is still in hospital. I can't go into the details of that investigation. There are lots of police resources, lots of investigation, lots of additional protection to the public going on in that area."
On whether a similar incident could happen in the future, he said: "Well, I mean, it's a capital city with nine million people. But, importantly, we are doing absolutely everything we can, relentlessly, to crack down on gun crime."
'Be aware of your surroundings'
The top Met officer added: "You've seen the figures today - lowest levels of gun crime for 15 years. But we're not complacent, and there's always more work to do."
When asked what advice he has for Londoners going about their daily business in the city after the incident. Commander Brogden added: "I think, the chances of becoming a victim of gun crime here in London are very, very low. But I'm not going to say that incidents of gun crime don't occur.
"Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your safety. If you do witness any incidents involving guns, have the trust to come forward and report it to the Metropolitan Police Service."
Never miss a London story again
You can sign up to get the latest news, top stories and exclusives sent straight to your WhatsApp from the MyLondon team.
To get stories sent to you, you need to already have WhatsApp. All you need to do is click this link and select 'join community'.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the MyLondon team.
We also treat our subscribers to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you’re curious, you can read our privacy notice.
386 firearms seized in one year
Last year, London gun crime increased by just under 20 per cent - rising from 1,009 offences in 2022 to 1,208 in 2023. But the Met says that 'serious' incidents are down.
Commander Brogden told media that the force is 'not complacent' and is 'doubling its efforts' to tackle a 'vicious cycle of violence' in the city. He added that guns are most often by gangs to peddle drugs, enforce debt and control territories.
Last year, 386 firearms were seized in the city by officers, including Scorpion sub-machine guns. But the Met says it is going to keep up the pressure on criminals.
Commander Brogden then said he had a simple message' for those planning to acquire or use guns in London: "The Met will find you, we'll bring you to justice, we'll convict you and we'll imprison you."
Our London Court & Crime newsletter brings you the latest major court updates and breaking news straight to your inbox. You can sign up HERE.
