Ladbroke Grove: 15-year-old victim of fatal shooting named and pictured

Police were called at 7.20pm on Sunday July 21 to reports at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park in Ladbroke Grove.

Rene was found suffering injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Four men, two aged 21 and the others aged 20 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody at this time.

A crime scene remains in place at the location.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information or footage to come forward.

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Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who is in charge of policing for Kensington and Chelsea, said: “A young boy has tragically lost his life and our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this devastating time. We will continue to provide them with specialist support.

“I understand that the public, especially those who live and work in the area, will be shocked and concerned by this incident. All of us at the Met share that concern and we are using all of the resources at our disposal to identify those involved.

“This investigation is at an early stage and we are keeping an open mind as to the motive. It will take us some time to establish the facts and this will be our priority in the coming days.

“We are keen to speak to other witnesses who were in the area at the time of the shooting. There was an event taking place and it's possible people may have been taking photos or filming. Please check to see if you have captured anything that may help detectives.

“Residents can expect to see a significant police presence in this area. Officers are there to provide reassurance and support - please speak to them if you have concerns.

"Tragic incidents like this remind us why it is so important that we continue our unrelenting focus on suppressing violence and gun crime, and catching the offenders who endanger our communities.”

Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater, described the shooting as "horrific news".

Writing in a post on X, he wrote, “These senseless acts of violence must stop.”

The mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: "I am heartbroken by the devastating news that a 15-year-old has needlessly lost his life in Ladbroke Grove.

"I remain in regular contact with the Met Police who are working round the clock to investigate this horrific incident."