Man shot dead and woman injured in 'deeply distressing' park shooting

A man has been killed and a woman rushed to hospital following a horrific shooting at a London park. The disturbing incident was witnessed by members of the public, which police described as "deeply disturbing."

The Metropolitan Police said officers raced to reports of gunfire in Clissold Park in Hackney at 7.06pm on Wednesday. A man in his 40s received treatment for gunshot wounds and was later declared dead at the hospital.

The capital's police force added that enquiries are ongoing to identify his next of kin. The public shooting also injured a woman in her 40s, who was treated by paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance.

Hours later, the woman was said to still be in hospital, with no update on her condition. Officers believe the victims were known to each other, but have stressed they do not believe there is a wider risk to the public.

A firearm "believed to be involved in the incident" was recovered at the scene and is now part of a major investigation into the deadly gun attack.

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, who is responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: "We understand this is a deeply distressing incident for those involved, the witnesses in the park and the community in the surrounding area.

"We are in the early stages of the investigation, but we believe the man and woman are known to one another and at this time, we are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public."

The detective continued: "Officers are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of the incident and will continue to support those who are affected. A crime scene remains in place for investigation with an increased police presence."

Hackney Council has announced on social media that it is "supporting the police with their investigations," with a warning to regular park users over accessing the space in the wake of the fatal shooting.

The council further stated: "Clissold Park will remain closed tomorrow morning, when we will provide an update on its reopening."