A 20-year-old man was injured in a suspected gang shooting yesterday afternoon, outside his family home on Queensbridge Road in Dalston.
A witness said the man and another youth – apparently trying to protect him — “were covered in blood”. The attack took place at 2.20pm near the junction with Mapledene Road.
The victim, said by a neighbour to be called Gerard, was shot in the arm. His injuries are not believed to be fatal. He was treated at an East London hospital.
A group of young black men were seen at the shooting by a man who was parking his car in Mapledene Road. “They looked like they were young, like GCSE age,” he said.
The victim’s sister, who refused to be named, said there were suspicious circumstances. “It wasn’t random. I know that the people who did it knew him.”
Police say it is too early in the investigation to confirm gang connections, but local people believe that it involves the notorious Holly Street Boys from the now demolished Holly Street estate.
A mechanic nearby, who did not want to be identified, said: “He [the victim] has a bit of a reputation. I’ve been told that he’s been shot twice, and isn’t even 21.”
Residents say gang warfare between the Holly Street Boys and the London Fields Boys has been the source of much violence in the area for more than a decade.
The mechanic also said: “There are quite a few gangs in Hackney, especially in this area. I just try to stay out of it.”
Three-bedroomed houses in the Queensbridge area are valued at £600,000 or more. Tony and Cherie Blair lived in Mapledene Road for six years from 1980.
Anyone with information should call Trident on 0208 217 7366 or, to remain anonymous, speak with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Hi James,
The quotes were unattributed because they did not want to be named. A few refused to give me their names (the sister for example) and others did not want them published. Which I think is understandable with anything involving gangs. In the end, I ran with what I had.
Thank you for your comment.
Jaymi
Why are all the quotes unattributed? Don’t know what to believe