Man in his 20s is shot dead in Hackney back garden as police hunt gunman

A 22-year-old man has been arrested and remains in custody on suspicion of murder following the fatal shooting of a man in his 20s.   

The man was killed following an incident on Friday night, in which neighbours heard a series of gunshots.

Metropolitan Police say they were called to Brackenfield Close at about 11.30pm on Friday following reports of shots being fired.

Police and London Ambulance Service paramedics found the victim suffering gunshot injuries.

Despite the efforts of medics and officers, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

On Saturday morning the area remained cordoned off with a high police presence monitoring

His next of kin have been informed and a murder enquiry is now ongoing.

With emergency services quickly on the scene, police tape was placed up around the area and a white tent erected in the garden. 

A cordon still remains in place at the scene while officers conduct an urgent investigation into the incident.

A section 60 has also been authorised, giving police additional stop and search powers across the borough of Hackney until 3.15pm on Saturday, June 6.  

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Considine said: ‘Following initial inquiries we know that there were people in Brackenfield Close at the time of the shooting. 

I would urge those people, and anyone else who has information that could progress this investigation to get in contact immediately.

‘This is a tragic incident that has resulted in the loss of a young man’s life and has left his family and friends devastated. 

If you can help us find those responsible, then please get in contact.’  

Police presence remained around the scene on Saturday morning, as a large white tent was erected in the garden where the incident occurred

The murder is being investigated by homicide detectives from Specialist Crime Command. 

This comes following recent warnings from UK police chiefs across the country, who made predictions of a rise in gun crime following the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Police have been bracing themselves for an explosion in crime figures related to gang violence, as groups attempt to impose their authority and standing after emerging from lockdown. 

Dr Simon Harding, director of the National Centre for Gang Research at the University of West London, said the trading of social media taunts and drug feuds that have festered during the restrictions were likely to trigger an ‘explosive crimewave’. 

Police were called to Brackenfield Close, about 11.30pm on Friday and cordoned off the crime scene with tape after finding a man suffering from gunshot wounds

Forensics surveyed the area in the aftermath, while neighbours described what they had seen

A section 60 has also been authorised, giving police additional stop and search powers across the borough of Hackney until 3.15pm on Saturday

During the lockdown some gangs have reportedly expanded their county lines operations and seized rival areas, escalating tensions with competitors who obeyed the government’s stay at home measures and suspended trading.

Likewise in the West Midlands the region’s police and crime commissioner recently warned figures of shooting and related violence were on the rise.

David Jamieson told the Express and star there has been ‘a large increase in gun discharges’ since individuals have been coming out of a full lockdown.

Anyone with information on the Hackney incident is being urged to call police on 101, quoting the reference number 8894 of June 5.

Witnesses can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.