Lianne Gordon has been named by police as the victim of last night’s shooting in Hackney – only three days after shots were fired in the same road at the weekend, in what is believed to be a related incident.
Gordon was shot in east Hackney on Tuesday night, with a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy being rushed to hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation. No arrests have been made.
Police were called to Vine Court Hackney at 6.30pm on Tuesday night after a report of shooting in the area. Vine Close is a small enclave of modern residential properties in the Lower Clapton area. Detectives disclosed yesterday that there had been an earlier shooting incident in the close on Saturday, when shots had been fired but there had been no signs of any victims.
Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway has said the force is considering the possibility the shooting was “gang-linked. We believe all the victims of the shooting were known to each other but they were not related.
“A murder investigation has been launched by homicide detectives from the Met’s specialist crime command, they’re being supported by local and specialist officers from my team here in Hackney to Tower Hamlets.
“I want to assure everyone that this will be a painstaking investigation. We are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
“It is important that we keep an open mind regarding motive and we will follow the evidence. It is too early in this investigation to comment further on motive though we are considering the possibility that this was gang linked.”
However, a source said: “We do not believe she was the intended victim.
“It is believed they had come for someone else at the house.”
Mr Conway added: “We are also aware of a recent incident in which police were again called to shots being fired in Vine Close on the evening of Saturday December 2.
“In response to that separate incident, officers found shell casings at the scene but there was no trace of any victim or suspect.
“The Met specialist crime command is again continuing to investigate that separate incident. However, one of our lines of inquiry is to determine whether these two incidents are linked.”
A resident of Vine Court described Ms Gordon as “very nice and chatty” and said she would “talk to everybody”.
If you passed by her house, “through the window she would wave and smile”, he said.
“I never saw her upset, she’s always smiling – even from far away she’s always smiling and waves her hand. I am feeling very sorry for the children and the family.”
Overnight, a large police cordon was erected in the area and forensic teams were seen examining a Jaguar F-Pace at the entrance of the close.
A resident of Vine Court, who did not want to be named, said three shots were fired and she heard the daughter of the victim screaming.
A strong police presence remains at the scene.
Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall, from Hackney police said “This shocking incident has resulted in the death of a young woman and my thoughts are with her family at this incredibly difficult time. My thoughts are also with the two people who have been taken to hospital.
“We are still in the early stages of our investigation and a team of specialist detectives are working to establish what has happened. Officers will remain at the scene overnight and will be in the area over the coming days.
“I do not underestimate the impact this incident will have on people in Hackney, and I understand the community will want answers about what has happened this evening. We will share further information as our investigation progresses.
“Gun crime has no place on the streets of London, and we will do all we can to bring whoever is responsible for this despicable crime to justice.”
This latest report of gun crime is the 66th case in Hackney and the 258th case in the ELL boroughs since December 2022. There has been an increase of 22.8% of gun related crime in the broughs compared to the previous 12 months.
Speaking at a press conference in Rendlesham Road on Wednesday, Mayor of Hackney Caroline Woodley and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas, said: “Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected, their family, neighbours and friends.
“While incidents like this are rare in Hackney, we know that the events of last night will cause concern for local people. We want to reassure everyone that we’re committed to doing all we can to prevent what are fortunately isolated events. The police will be working in the area over the coming days to continue their investigation. Council officers will be supporting the police and helping to reassure those affected within the community”.
Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, told the BBC: “This is clearly a terrible incident. My heart goes out to the victim and relatives.
“As the full detail cannot be known just yet, it is important that any witnesses come forward and help the police in their inquiries.”
Anyone who witnessed the shooting, or has information about what happened, is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5811/05Dec.
To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
