Police, Mayor address community following fatal shooting of Lianne Gordon

 

HACKNEY – Detectives in Hackney and the mayor have addressed the community following fatal shooting of a local woman,

Local policing lead and Mayor of Hackney have addressed the community following the fatal shooting of local woman, Lianne Gordon, 42.

The woman died when shots were fired in Vine Close, Hackney, on Tuesday 5 December. In tribute, her family said: “Lianne had a heart of gold, we her family are going to miss her immensely.”

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, who leads policing in Hackney, said at the scene earlier today:

“Yesterday, in the early evening, around 18:30hrs, police were called by local people to the sound of shots being fired. When my officers and colleagues from the London Ambulance Service arrived, we found three people with gunshot wounds.

“Despite all the efforts of officers and paramedics, one of those injured, a 42-year-old woman, who we can name as Lianne Gordon, sadly died at the scene.

“A 16-year-old boy and 20-year-old man were also found with suspected gunshot wounds. They have both been treated in hospital and their conditions are not life-threatening.

“We believe all the victims of this shooting were known to each other, but they were not related. I want to offer my sincere condolences to the victims’ family and friends and all those affected by this terrible incident.

“A murder investigation has been launched by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. They are being supported by local officers and specialist officers from my team here in Hackney & 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 will follow the evidence. It is too early in the investigation to comment further on motive, though we are considering the possibility that this is gang linked.

“We are aware of a recent incident in which police were also called to shots being fired in Vine Close on the evening of Saturday, 2 December.

“Following that incident, officers found shell casings at the scene, but there was no trace of any victim or suspect. The Met’s specialist crime command continue to investigate this separate incident. However one of our lines of enquiry will be to determine whether these two incidents are linked.

“Extra officers are being deployed to support the local community and I would encourage anyone with concerns to speak to them.

“Whilst we have exceptional detectives, officers and staff on this case, we do not solve crimes like this alone, we need the public’s help and support. I am grateful to those who have come forward already.

“If you have any information that could help, no matter how small, please speak to an officer by calling the Major Incident Room number on 020 8345 3865. Alternatively you can contact the or call the independent charity Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name, either online or by calling 0800 555 111.

“It is all the more tragic that last night’s events occurred in the lead up to Christmas, Hannukah, and other important festivals. Our thoughts are also with those affected in Sutton, where a 17-year-old boy lost his life in a stabbing overnight.

“Our approach in Hackney, as it is across the Met, is to work closely with our community and our local partners, including Hackney council, to tackle violence and the causes of violence together.

Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, said:

“This is a heartbreaking incident and my thoughts and everyone’s at the Council are with the loved ones of Lianne and the other injured victims.

“We are working with the police to support the families of the victims and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months. We are also working with local schools and community groups to offer any support they need.

“While incidents like this are rare, we know that the community will be shocked, worried and distressed.

“Council officers are in the area to support the police investigation and provide reassurance to local people. We also have outreach workers in the area to make sure people can speak to us about any concerns they have.

“I’d urge anyone with information to contact Crimestoppers anonymously or to contact the police on 101. Anyone with concerns about a child or young person can contact a Council social worker on 020 8356 5500”.