A 15-year-old boy who was shot dead in a west London park during a “family fun day” event has been named.
Rene Graham was killed in Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park, Ladbroke Grove, at around 7.20pm on Sunday, said the Metropolitan Police.
At the time of the attack, it is thought more than 1,000 people were attending the annual Park Lime event, organised by the Caribbean Music Association, which was billed as a “family fun day” featuring live music, games and face painting.
Officers are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information or footage to come forward following the fatal shooting.
Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this devastating time. We will continue to provide them with specialist support.
“I understand that the public, especially those who live and work in the area, will be shocked and concerned by this incident. All of us at the Met share that concern and we are using all of the resources at our disposal to identify those involved.
“This investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive. It will take us some time to establish the facts and this will be our priority in the coming days.”
Father Damian Ryan, 43, a priest at a church bordering the park, estimated that more than 1,000 people were in attendance at Sunday’s event and were “spilling over” on to nearby streets.
He said: “It was a rammed park and outside it was spilling over as well.”
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Police cordoned off the scene near Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park. Pic: PA
Pic: PA
Elizabeth Campbell, the leader of Kensington and Chelsea council, said the shooting was “absolutely horrific and just awful for the family”.
Also, the MP for Kensington and Bayswater, Joe Powell, described the attack as “horrific news”.
He wrote on X: “I’m aware of the horrific news that a young boy has been shot and killed in Golborne this evening – and my thoughts are with his family.
“These senseless acts of violence must stop.”
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Four men – two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25 – were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
The Met Police initially said six people were arrested, but this was incorrect.