Brixton shooting: Two dead amid ‘horrific’ scene as neighbours rushed to give CPR

Neighbours have told how residents rushed to attempt lifesaving CPR amid the “horrific” scene of a double fatal shooting in south London last night.

Two men have died after gunfire was heard in Railton Road, Lambeth, at 7.50pm yesterday (Sunday, October 30).

Police and paramedics raced to the area but the two victims died at the scene - which has since been cordoned off with nearby roads closed and officers manning the area.

A silver car and a black moped - both with significant damage - are laid in the road, with debris strewn across the scene, which is blocked off with crime scene tape.

Now shocked neighbours have told how gunfire was heard and people dashed out of their houses to try to administer first aid.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said she first thought the sound was fireworks.

Resident Percy Albuquerque, who lives just outside the cordon, said: “We were talking with one of our neighbours who lives on that road and she observed the paramedics who were trying to resuscitate [them].

“From what I can gather there were quite a few pedestrians at the time so it must have been really horrific.

“Some relatives of the victims were down here last night and were incredibly distressed - understandably.”

One man, known as Lion, who works nearby, said his friend had witnessed the incident.

“He heard a big bang which sounded like a truck,” he told LondonWorld. “He heard nine to 12 gunshots being fired and saw the guy laying down there. Some of the neighbours came out and did CPR.

“But he couldn’t see any response. [There was a] shot to the abdomen and the head. The delivery guy got hurt as well.”

Asked whether he was shocked, Lion added: “To me, you can’t be surprised when anything like this happens.”

But passerby Helen, who works at nearby youth charity Big Kid Foundation, said: “It’s a massive shock. It’s not just trauma for the people involved, it’s the whole community.

“We’re going to be open today and we’ve got in-house counselling going on. Hopefully we can provide some support for anyone who needs it.”

The charity, which also operates at Dexter’s Adventure Playground, just a few streets away, is dedicated to seeing no young people lose their lives or potential to youth violence.

Development director Helen added: “The shockwaves go for miles. We’re trying to help young people to see their value, their value in themselves.

“They’ve got people on their side, rooting for them. Their lives are really precious and meaningful - and people in this community really care for them.”

Met Police officers have launched an investigation into the shooting and a spokesperson said the nature of the victims’ injuries “has not been confirmed at this time”.

They added: “Their next of kin are yet to be informed and we await formal identification.

“Post-mortem examinations will be held in due course.”

And they continued: “A number of roads are closed and crime scenes are in place. Local residents will see an enhanced police presence in the area and are advised to speak with officers if they have any information.

“At this stage, there have been no arrests and enquiries continue.”

At 10pm last night, Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction councillor Jim Dickon wrote on Twitter: “As people may know there has been a serious incident involving gunshots and a collision on Railton Road near the junction with Effra Parade tonight with possible loss of life.”

He added: “Police have set up cordons so please avoid the area if possible. Thoughts with families of all involved!”

While Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes said she was horrified by the incident, and urged anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers, adding: “My thoughts are with their loved ones about to hear the worst possible news and all who witnessed this violence in our community.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 6166/30Oct. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.