Man dies after gunmen open fire at Brixton ‘barbecue party’ – as police launch murder investigation and urgent hunt for gunmen

A man has been killed after gunmen opened fire at a barbecue party in Brixton.

Eyewitnesses described how shots were fired from a car early Saturday morning.

Keanu Taylor, 25, was rushed to hospital along with three others after the shooting, which happened shortly after 1am on Coldharbour Lane, outside the Southwyck House estate.

Mr Taylor was initially described as being in a life-threatening condition but has since died.

Police have launched a murder investigation and are continuing the hunt for the gunmen.

Three people, ages 21, 47 and 70, were identified as having injuries that were not life-threatening or life-altering.

No arrests have been made in the case, police said.

Estate resident Robert, 40, said the area was filled with people barbecuing before the shooting.

Officers maintained a large cordon in the street in south London on Saturday after the shooting in the early hours of the morning

Police were called just after 1 a.m. Saturday to reports of gunshots coming from a car

Pointing to a grassy area outside the estate, he added: ‘That patch of grass and the concrete just fills up at night, especially on a sunny evening in the summer, like it’s completely packed with people.’

Officers were first called to the property at 1.14am on Saturday after receiving reports of gunshots being fired.

They arrived on the scene within four minutes and, together with paramedics, provided first aid.

After the gunshots, some who fled the scene took refuge in a nearby supermarket.

Moh John, 45, who works at Payless Food & Wine, told how ‘scared’ people burst into his shop, prompting him to lock the door behind him.

Mr John said police had collected the supermarket CCTV footage of the incident.

Police maintained a large cordon on Saturday stretching as far as the exit to Gresham Road.

A foil blanket, a bicycle, bags and litter were strewn across the area when police inspected it on Saturday

Investigators in blue overalls, masks and gloves inspect the scene on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, south London

Police officers and forensic officers in blue overalls, masks and gloves inspected debris on the road.

In a separate incident on Saturday, a 33-year-old man was stabbed and left in a life-threatening condition just 700 meters away from the shooting on Acre Lane.

The victim was found with multiple stab wounds and taken to hospital.

The Met Police previously said it was investigating whether the two crimes were linked.

Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘While we work quickly to identify those responsible, our thoughts are with Keanu’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

‘This was a shocking act of violence which has had a devastating impact on those involved and the local community. I would like to reassure residents that we are working urgently to identify and arrest those responsible.

‘It is vital that anyone who saw what happened, or has information or footage, comes forward. Even the smallest detail can be crucial to our investigation.

‘Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area in the coming days. If you have any concerns please contact officers.”

Anyone with information or images of the incident is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 557/2May. They can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

This is a current news item and is being updated.