Scotland Yard launches murder investigation after man, 40, is shot dead as up to 50 people gathered for a memorial service

Published: 12:15 EDT, 3 October 2026 | Updated: 12:54 EDT, 3 October 2026 Officers have begun a murder investigation after a man was shot dead in a 'senseless act of violence' during a memorial service yesterday evening.The man, 40, was pronounced dead at the scene after shots were fired at the service, where up to 50 people including children had gathered, in east Acton.Police were called around 7.45pm after the man was understood to have suffered a gunshot wound. No arrests have yet been made but the Metropolitan Police said detectives were working 'at pace' to understand what had happened.Detective chief inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said anyone near Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm could be useful witnesses.He said: 'Please think carefully about what you saw. Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed?'DCI Howie added: 'We also want to hear from anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage or who has seen anything relevant on social media.'However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.'A man was shot dead last night at the junction of Braybrook Street (pictured) and Erconwald Street The junction is yards from the Old Oak community centreA Met spokesman said: 'On Friday, 2 October at 19:47hrs police were called after multiple shots had been heard by members of the public at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street.'Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service who treated a 40-year-old man. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.'His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.'A post-mortem examination is scheduled to establish the cause of death, but the victim is believed to have sustained a gunshot wound.'No arrests have been made at this early stage, but detectives are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of the incident. A crime scene remains in place on Braybrook Street.'