Harlesden murder probe: Two arrested after man shot dead outside funeral wake in north west London

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Two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a young man was shot dead outside a funeral wake in north west London.

Neighbours said more than 100 well-wishers had gathered for the traditional Caribbean "nine nights" celebration in Harlesden, to honour another young man who died last week. They were seen to flee as gunshots rang out.

Police were called to Windrush Road at just after 3am and battled to save the 27-year-old life but he was pronounced dead by paramedics at the scene.

His death marks the capital’s seventh violent killing in just 12 days.

Forensics on the scene
PA

A 19-year-old and a 24-year-old man were arrested on Thursday. They are currently in police custody.

The Met Police said a metallic grey Land Rover Discovery was found burnt out in the area of the St Raphael’s Estate, Brent.

A Land Rover Discovery was found burnt out near the scene
NIGEL HOWARD

Officers have reason to believe it may be connected with the incident, they added.

A witness at the scene told the Standard: “There were three of them in a grey or green Land Rover Discovery. Two jumped out and one started shooting repeatedly with a pistol at the boy.

"There were loads of shots.. eight or more, like they were making sure they finished the job. The shooter was wearing a blue surgical mask which covered his face.

Residents have expressed their distress over the incident
PA

"The two then jumped back in the Discovery and took off. I saw the sparks from the gun and the guy shooting. He just kept on shooting. It was a small-calibre gun from the sound of it, maybe that’s why they shot him so many times."

He added: “Armed police arrived, they tried to save the boy but he was gone. It was horrible I can’t believe what I saw, all in front of people at the wake.”

Police are continuing to investigate the shocking attack
PA

Another witness said: “There was a massive nine-nights for a young man who died recently. There was very loud music and hundreds of people at the wake which went into the early hours.

“Then I heard gunshots. There was a pause before the last shot. It was no way anything other than gunshots."

The burnt out car was found nearby
NIGEL HOWARD

A man who went to the wake but left before the shooting said: “I was on the way home from work and saw the wake and people I knew. Everyone was chatting and drinking, there were loads of people.

“I left before midnight I don’t know why it all kicked off. I am in total shock - I’m worried it could have been one of my friends who has been killed.”

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe, who leads the investigation, said: “We know that a number of shots were fired and, despite it being in the early hours of the morning, several people were out in the street and would have seen what happened.

“A man has died and his loved ones will now face terrible grief. The person responsible for this killing does not deserve protection and anyone who has information should come forward and speak to us.

“I am appealing to anyone with phone footage of the incident, or in the moments before and after, to come forward. You could be holding vital clues and, by sending it to us, you can help keep our communities safer.

“I have got a dedicated team who will be trawling through CCTV for evidence and making sure no stone is left unturned as we try and track whoever took this young man’s life.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0208 358 0200 quoting reference Cad 895/16Jul or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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