Teen girls gunned down in London street
Two teenage girls remained in hospital in London today and a third was discharged after all three were gunned down in the street.
Scotland Yard said two of the victims, aged 19 and 18, were in a stable condition, while a 17-year-old girl was discharged from hospital.
Detectives hunting for a gunman were understood to be investigating if yesterday’s attack was a botched drive-by hit. It was initially believed that only one shot was fired.
Scotland Yard said the teenagers were taken to hospital after the incident outside a property in John Fearon Walk, North Kensington, west London.
One was initially critical, but her condition improved.
An investigation is being led by Trident detectives, who deal with gang crime in the black community.
No arrests have yet been made, police said.
A police spokesman said officers were alerted by the ambulance service at 7.17pm by members of the public.
The victims – who had been out on the street after scorching temperatures throughout the day – received treatment at a central London hospital.
A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the 18-year old was treated for gunshot wounds at the scene.
“She was taken to hospital as a priority, escorted by the air ambulance doctor,” she said.
“Two further patients reported to be female teenagers with gunshot wounds made their own way to hospital.”
“We were called at 7.14pm to reports of a multiple shooting off Dart Street.”
“The air ambulance doctor had travelled to the scene by car along with two ambulances and three single response units and fast response cars.”
As a hunt for the teenagers’ attackers was launched, police urged witnesses to come forward.
Earlier, a police spokesman said the young women’s injuries were “not life-threatening”.
“We have got officers down there trying to piece together what is going on,” he said.
“At this stage we are doing all we can.”
Karen Buck, MP for Westminster North, expressed her concern as she visited the troubled Mozart Estate where the attack took place.
The Labour politician, who has previously called for crackdowns on knife and gun crime, tweeted: “On Mozart Estate after reports of 3 girls being shot.
“Desperately worried about local gang and youth violence. We have to get a grip.”
Community leaders have made several attempts to make the area safer in recent years.
Yew trees and a herb garden in a chequerboard pattern were planted along John Fearon Walk after it was identified as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour.
