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

A man has died after gunmen opened fire on a barbecue party in Brixton.

Eyewitnesses described how gunshots were heard coming from a car in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Keanu Taylor, 25, was taken to hospital along with three other people following the shooting on Coldharbour Lane, outside the Southwyck House estate, shortly after 1am.

Mr Taylor was initially reported to be in life-threatening condition, but he later died.

Police have launched a murder investigation and are continuing urgent searches to catch the attackers.

It was stated that 3 people, aged 21, 47 and 70, had no life-threatening injuries.

The Met Police said no arrests have yet been made in connection with the incident.

Resident Robert, 40, said the area was full of people having barbecues before the shooting.

Police were called to a report of a drive-by shooting just after 1 a.m. Saturday

Pointing to a grassy area outside the property, he added: ‘This patch of grass and concrete gets completely packed with people at night, especially on a sunny night in the summer.’

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

They arrived within four minutes and gave first aid together with the paramedics.

Some of those who fled the scene after the gunshots took shelter in a nearby supermarket.

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

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

Police set up a wide cordon on Saturday, stretching all the way back to Gresham Road.

Foil blankets, bicycles, bags and garbage were strewn in the area as police investigated on Saturday.

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

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

In a separate incident on Saturday, a 33-year-old man was stabbed and left with life-threatening injuries just 700 meters from the attack on Acre Lane.

The young man, who had many stab wounds, was taken to the hospital and treated.

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

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

‘This was a shocking act of violence that had a devastating impact on those involved and the local community. I want 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 any information or footage comes forward. Even the smallest detail can be vital to our investigation.

‘Local people will continue to see increased police presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns please speak to officers.’

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

This is breaking news and is being updated.