Girl, 8, and man seriously injured in double shooting in west London

The child was rushed to hospital alongside a 34-year-old man after shots were fired at 5.30pm on Sunday

Police at the scene on Southern Grove in Ladbroke Grove, west London (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

An eight-year-old girl and a man have been seriously injured in a shooting, the Metropolitan Police has said.

The child and the man, aged 34, were rushed to hospital after they were shot in Southern Row, Ladbroke Grove, just after 5.30pm on Sunday.

A horrified witness heard screaming and said a man was “shooting directly into a car” at close range in at the shocking incident.

The witness, who was in the area to visit her mother, said: “The guy was shooting directly into a car. I was literally coming out of the exit to my mum’s block of flats and as I was going out, I saw a guy shooting into the car multiple times.

“He was firing directly, like at close range as if you’re standing to open a door, they were shooting directly into it.

“I was completely in shock and I just ran back up the stairs because I was really scared. Then I looked and I heard screaming afterwards, and then people coming out to call the police.”

Police have cordoned off the scene in Southern Row, Ladbroke Grove (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening, police said, and officers are awaiting an update on the man’s condition.

A 32-year-old woman was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured.

Superintendent Owen Renowden said: “This is an appalling incident that has left two people seriously injured, including a young girl who thankfully is in a stable condition this morning.

“I am appealing to the public who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting. Did you hear any gunshots around 5.30pm yesterday evening? Did you see anyone fleeing from the area?

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information surrounding this incident. Your information matters, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.”

Witnesses can contact police on 101 giving the reference CAD5238/24NOV or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online to remain anonymous.

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