Shot by ‘Joker’ hitman
Two dead, third critical as Diwali fireworks mask blasts
A GUN gang – one in a Joker mask – killed two men and critically wounded a third with the shots disguised by the bangs of Diwali fireworks.
The victims were cut down inside a house in what locals believe was a gangland killing early yesterday.
A little boy watching the fireworks from his bedroom saw the masked suspect sprint across his back garden then scale a fence.
The lad’s dad, who did not want to be named, said: “The man had the mask on and his clothes were all black. My son was terrified by it.”
Execution
Another neighbour said: “It was a planned hit, an execution – and timed because of the Diwali fireworks.”
Neighbours said they mistook the gunshots for pyrotechnics set off to mark the Hindu Festival of Lights.
The killer and his henchmen are said to have arrived at the scene in Ilford, East London, around midnight. One witness claimed they were on bicycles.
Scotland Yard said officers were called to Henley Road shortly afterwards.Two men aged 23 and 30 died at the scene, paramedics worked to save a third man, also aged 30. He was in hospital fighting for life last night.
Resident Kashif Patel, 33, said: “My mates are all acquaintances of the dead. It’s Ilford vs Manor Park. It’s rival gangs.”
He said the feud was made worse after a local rapper posted a video online threatening a rival.
It was claimed both the dead men were drill rappers going by the names “Giddy” and “Shifty”. Samima Ahmad, 50, said: “I heard some screams and shouting. I was shaken by the screams around 12.15am. There were a bunch of youngsters running around, it was a gang of people.
“There was an ambulance, helicopters and police, it was very frightening.” She added: “The shots were obscured by the fireworks. I didn’t know what happened until this morning. It’s very concerning, what next?” Neighbour Alex Raducu, 33, added: “I thought it was just fireworks…then I heard a helicopter above me.”
One witness said the gun gang fled the area in a car. And last night the Met revealed a vehicle linked to the shootings was recovered nearby.
They had yet to reveal the victims’ names or make any arrests.
Five people have been killed within a 10-mile area of east London in the past week.
Sam Tarry, the local Labour MP, said the shootings were “utterly shocking.”
Shocked
He added: “Not nearly enough is being done to combat violent crime and protect my constituents. I will be having urgent conversations with the Met.” Jas Athwal, leader of Redbridge Council, said at the scene: “We’ve been complaining about the lack of officers around the area…we need more of a physical presence.”
Inspector Dave Holgate said: “We understand the community will quite rightly be shocked.
“Shocking acts of violence motivate every officer in the Met to catch those responsible, bring peace to their families and bring justice to the streets.”