By Lucy Caulkett
A nine-year-old girl is in critical condition in hospital, after being shot by an attacker on a motorbike while having dinner with her family in a restaurant on Kingsland High Street. The incident, which occurred shortly after 9pm on Wednesday, has shocked the local community and raised concerns about violent crime in an area known for its recent gentrification.
The girl, who was dining inside the Turkish restaurant Evin, was one of four people injured in the drive-by shooting. Three men, aged 26, 37, and 42, who were seated outside, also sustained injuries. While the men are in stable condition, one faces potentially life-changing injuries, according to Chief Superintendent James Conway.
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Witnesses initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks, only to realize the severity of the situation as the motorbike sped away. A stolen motorbike, believed to have been used in the attack, was later found about a quarter of a mile away on Colvestone Crescent.
Chief Supt Conway described the girl as an “innocent victim of the indiscriminate nature of gun crime.” He emphasized that the police are maintaining an open mind about the motive and are urging any witnesses or individuals with video footage to come forward. Increased police patrols, including armed officers, are being deployed to provide reassurance and support to the community.
Hackney, historically known for its violent past, has undergone significant gentrification over the past two decades. Once plagued by gang violence and high crime rates, the area has seen substantial investment and a demographic shift, attracting young professionals and families. This transformation has been evident since the early 2000s, with rising property prices and an influx of trendy cafes, bars, and cultural venues.
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Overall crime rates in Hackney have decreased in recent years, but incidents of serious violence and gun crime, although less common, continue to pose a challenge.
At the scene of the shooting, the aftermath was still visible on Thursday morning. Plates of food and half-drunk beers remained on tables, and chairs were scattered in disarray, a testament to the panic that ensued. Forensics officers were seen conducting a search outside a nearby church on Colvestone Crescent, where the stolen motorbike was found.
The Metropolitan Police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward as they continue their investigation into this tragic event.
The community, while shocked, is rallying together, hoping for the swift recovery of the young girl and the swift apprehension of those responsible.
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