UPDATE: Woodford Green shooting victim ‘critical’

A man shot in a South Woodford ice cream parlour is in a “critical” condition in hospital today, after a terrifying daylight attack by a lone gunman.

The victim, in his twenties, was reportedly shot three times in front of his mother in Cakes and Shakes, High Road, Woodford Green just before 2pm yesterday.

A neighbouring shopkeeper said the injured man is a co-owner of the cafe, and was clearing up his business with his mum following an earlier shooting there on Saturday, when he was hit.

The shopkeeper said: “He’d been hit in the stomach and chest area. You could see the holes but there was no blood.

“We’re all shocked. He’s a nice lad. I’ve known him for a few years now.

“At the end of the day it’s not good for the area or for businesses.

“When there’s a shooting in broad daylight you don’t want to shout and scream about it.

“I feel for the family.”

Specialist police officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Trident team, which deals with gun crime within the Capital’s black community, have launched an investigation and urged anyone who saw what happened to come forward.

Witnesses have said the gunman fled towards Fuller’s Avenue, which was cordoned off by police.

A police spokesman said today: “Officers are investigating the possibility that the two incidents could be linked but police retain an open mind at this stage.”

She said that the victim remained in a “critical” condition in an east London hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to call the police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.