Police are investigating the possibility that the stabbing of a man and the shooting of four people in the same area of south London are linked. Metropolitan Police officers were called at 1:14 am on Saturday to reports of shots fired from a vehicle in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, and at 2:17 am to reports of a stabbing in nearby Acre Lane.
Shooting Incident Details
Four people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following the Coldharbour Lane incident, including a 25-year-old man who remains in a life-threatening condition. Three others – aged 21, 47, and 70 – were also taken to hospital with injuries assessed as not life threatening or life changing.
Stabbing Incident Details
In Acre Lane, a 33-year-old man was found with multiple stab wounds and taken to hospital where he remains in a life-threatening condition. No arrests have been made yet in connection with either event. Officers are investigating the possibility that the two incidents are linked, the Met said.
Witness Accounts
Several police officers could be seen searching an area of grass outside the Southwyck House estate, on Coldharbour Lane, on Saturday evening. An estate resident said he believed the incident took place during a barbecue party on the patch of green, while a shop worker told of providing shelter to people in the wake of gunshots.
Moh John, 45, who works at supermarket Payless Food & Wine outside Southwyck House estate, told the Press Association: “I was putting something there and I heard the noises. It was busy, there was a party. I saw the people run away. But then I saw the people, some people try to come in the shop and I locked the door.” He said those rushing inside the supermarket were “scared”, adding he kept the front door locked for “some time” before he reopened it.
Robert, 40, who did not want to give his surname, said he did not see the incident as he was inside all night but told PA: “I think it happened at the barbecue. It was packed. I usually feel safe around here, people know each other and get on. There’s been a few stabbings, and one day one gun was caught, but I don’t think anyone’s ever been shot like this.”
Appeal for Information
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers quoting reference CAD 557/2May for the Coldharbour Lane shooting and quoting CAD 907/2May for the Acre Lane stabbing.
