Man arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after church drive-by shooting
The 22-year-old man was arrested shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a drive-by shooting at a church left a seven-year-old girl in a life-threatening condition.
Officers were called to St Aloysius Church on Phoenix Road in Euston, central London, on Saturday where a memorial service was taking place for a young woman and her mother.
Scotland Yard said shotgun pellets were fired from a black Toyota C-HR at around 1.30pm before it was driven off.
Four women and two children were injured in the attack, with the youngest left in a life-threatening condition.
The Metropolitan Police said a 22-year-old man was arrested after a car was stopped in Cricklewood Lane, Barnet, shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
He has been taken into custody.
Three women – aged 48, 54 and 41 – were taken to a central London hospital where their injuries were assessed as non-life threatening.
Police said the 48-year-old has potentially life-changing injuries.
A 21-year-old woman was also taken to a central London hospital and her condition has been assessed as non life-threatening.
The seven-year-old girl remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
A 12-year-old girl who sustained a leg injury is expected to make a full recovery.
The shots sent mourners running and screaming, with many of them sheltering inside the church, witnesses said.
Father Jeremy Trood, who conducted the service, confirmed it was a Requiem Mass for Sara Sanchez, 20, and her mother, who both died in November.
Ms Sanchez suffered from leukaemia for three years before succumbing to the disease after her mother died suddenly from a rare blood clot on arrival at Heathrow from Colombia, MyLondon reported.
Anyone who witnessed the shooting incident or who has information about what took place is asked to call 101, giving the reference 3357/14JAN, and information can also be provided to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.