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Police are investigating a potential link between a stabbing and a shooting that left five people injured, two critically, in south London.
Metropolitan Police were first called to Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, at 1.14 am on Saturday following reports of shots fired from a vehicle. Four individuals sustained gunshot wounds in the incident. A 25-year-old man remains in a life-threatening condition, while three others – aged 21, 47, and 70 – were hospitalised with injuries deemed not life-threatening or life-changing.
Just over an hour later, at 2.17 am, officers responded to a stabbing in nearby Acre Lane. Approximately 700 metres away from the shooting scene, a 33-year-old man was discovered with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital, where his condition is also described as life-threatening.
No arrests have yet been made in connection with either incident.
Forensic officers near the scene of the shooting (Clara Margotin/PA)
Officers are investigating the possibility that the two incidents are linked, the Met said.
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.
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.
A police cordon on Acre Lane in Brixton, south London (PA)
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.”