Child and three adults injured in Hackney shooting

The shooting took place outside a restaurant in Kingsland High Street, Dalston

A child is in a serious condition and three adults have been injured after being shot near a restaurant in east London.

Police were called to Kingsland High Street, in Dalston in Hackney, at about 21:20 BST on Wednesday, after reports of gunshots.

Officers, including firearms specialists, and the London ambulance service attended the scene, the Metropolitan Police said.

The four victims were found with gunshot injuries and were taken to hospital in east London, the Met added.

A cordon and closed roads remain in place on Thursday morning

The force said the child remained in a serious condition and that it was awaiting further details of the other victims' conditions.

No arrests have been made and an investigation into circumstances around the incident has begun.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said Londoners would "be shocked" by the incident.

"Our thoughts go to all those affected," he added.

"Fast moving inquiries are under way and we will update as soon as we can. If anyone has any information, please contact us."

An area of the pavement is still cordoned off by some restaurants

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said it had treated the three adults and the child at the scene before taking them to a major trauma centre.

Passer-by Ayo Adesina told the BBC: "I arrived maybe about four, five, six minutes after it happened.

"People were just silent, like someone was trying to help... people just seemed stunned and trying to work out what was happening."

He said Kingsland High Street was a popular area and it was "very reckless for someone to have done".

Another resident, Dave Evans, who heard gunshots while walking his dog, said that it was "part of living in Hackney".

"If I had arrived five minutes earlier, who knows what would have happened, it's not good for the community."

Several police cars and ambulances were seen shortly after the incident on Wednesday night

Caroline Woodley, mayor of Hackney, said: “This was a shocking attack, and my thoughts are with those affected and their families.

“I understand the deep concern that will be felt across Dalston, and we will be here to support the community as more details emerge.

“We are now closely supporting the police’s investigation. This incident took place in a busy part of our borough and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward.”