Nine-year-old girl in 'critical condition' after Hackney shooting, police say

ITV News reporter Graham Stothard was at the scene in Hackney, east London where a nine-year-old girl and three others were shot

A nine-year-old girl is in a critical condition after being the "innocent victim" of a shooting in Hackney on Wednesday night, police have said.

The child, who was inside the restaurant having dinner with her family, is fighting for her life in hospital, Chief Superintendent James Conway said during a media briefing near the scene on Thursday. The three men, who were sitting outside the restaurant, were taken to hospital for treatment where their conditions are stable, although one potentially faces life-changing injuries.

A stolen motorbike which is believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered by police in Colverstone Crescent, Chief Superintendent James Conway said.

He added: "The investigation is being led by our specialist crime colleagues and we're supporting them with specialist local officers as we conduct fast-time inquiries to identify and apprehend those responsible and to establish the motive behind the shooting.

"The investigation is at an early stage and we're keeping an open mind as to that motive.

"We're keen to identify other witnesses who were in the area around the scene at the time of the shooting.

"Similarly, if you were in Kingsland High Street at the time of the shooting and have information or footage from a phone or another device, please share that with us."

A business owner has described how he was "stunned" after seeing a man on the floor and a woman slumped in her chair on Wednesday evening.

Ayo Adesina, 40, who owns Aso Rock Restaurant in Hackney, London - located about 80 metres from the incident - noticed a large police presence on Kingsland High Street.

Mr Adesina said he was in the area supporting Labour veteran Diane Abbott and visited his restaurant before he heard a series of loud noises which he believes accounted for five or six gunshots.

"I heard gunshots, though at the time I thought it was just a car," he said. "I looked at the road and I could see there was a whole crowd of people."

"I got on an e-bike and went up there and saw a man on the floor who wasn't moving.

"There was a woman slumped in her chair. I think someone who worked in that restaurant went to get a jacket or blanket to put on her leg."

Mr Adesina described the incident as "crazy" and "reckless".

"It's a high street where, especially in the summertime, people sit outside," he said.

"People are walking up and down that high street - I've been to that restaurant with my family. It's a local place and very popular in the summer.

"The only saving grace is that it didn't happen on a Friday or Saturday night because it's even busier."

The business owner, who lives in Romford, filmed the moment crowds gathered outside the restaurant and police cars lined the street.

He said there were at least 25 police cards and hundreds of people crowded around.

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