Murder investigation opened after man shot dead at Acton memorial gathering

Police say the shooting occurred as 40‑50 people, including children, gathered at the junction of Braybrook and Erconwald Streets on Friday evening.

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 03 Oct 2026 22:40:23 GMT

Police have launched a murder investigation after a 40‑year‑old man was shot dead while a memorial service was being held in East Acton, west London, on Friday evening, according to the Metropolitan Police.

What happened

Officers were dispatched to the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street just before 7.50 pm after members of the public reported hearing gunshots. The Metropolitan Police said between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present for the memorial gathering when the incident occurred. The victim was found injured, treated by the London Ambulance Service, and pronounced dead at the scene despite the "best efforts" of medical staff.

What the reports add

Independent.co.uk noted that the police described the incident as a "senseless act of violence" and that a post‑mortem examination is scheduled to confirm the cause of death. The Standard's two separate articles both confirmed the time of the call (just before 7.50 pm) and the location, and added that a police cordon remains in place on Braybrook Street while no arrests have been made.

What was said

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence. We understand a large number of people had gathered for a memorial service and what should have been a time to come together in remembrance has instead left a family devastated," as reported by Independent.co.uk and the Standard.

How it came about

The shooting occurred during a memorial service, but the specific reason for the gathering was not disclosed in the reports. Earlier this month, Felo News covered a separate fatal shooting in east London (see Teen Charged in East London Murder of Masum Miah), highlighting ongoing concerns about gun violence in the capital.

Key facts

A 40‑year‑old man was shot dead at a memorial gathering in East Acton. (independent.co.uk)
Police were called just before 7.50 pm on Friday. (standard.co.uk)
Between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present. (standard.co.uk)
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie is leading the murder investigation. (independent.co.uk)