A SCHOOLBOY was “assassinated” during a family fun day in a popular park after a gunman “fired a warning shot into the air”, witnesses say.
The youngster, who has been named as 15-year-old Rene Graham, was said to have been at Park Lime, an event planned by the Caribbean Music Association, when the horror unfolded last night.
Police were raced to Hornimans Pleasance Park, known locally as Teletubbies Park, near Hazlewood Crescent in Ladbroke Grove, West London, at around 7.20pm.
Medics also rushed to the event but Rene was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Four men have now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody overnight.
Posters for the event describe it as a “family fun day” with DJs, carnival stalls and food.
It promised face painting and games but warned no glass bottles were allowed.
Those at the event have now told of their horror after the teen was shot.
A pensioner told The Sun she saw a group of men running from the scene before hundreds of terrified men, women and children also sprinted from the park and down the road.
Fiona, who has lived in the area for 40 years and did not want to share her name, said: “There was at least four or five of them.
“I could see them just going past, running.
“I saw people all charge suddenly and coming down after the incident happened, people were all out here on their mobile phones recording stuff.
“There were so many people around yesterday for the music festival.”
A security officer told MailOnline: “A teenager was assassinated. I was right there.
“People were rushing and everyone was screaming. They were rushing through the barrier. There were two gunshots.
“We had booked the street that’s cordoned off for a film shoot tomorrow. I don’t know if that’s going to happen now.”
Another local told of how everyone started fleeing the area after gunshots rung through.
The 20-year-old told the Standard: “Everyone was chilling having a good time when I heard a shot. A guy shot in the air as a warning, it looked like, so people would clear out of the way.
“Then everyone scattered, we ran. When the crowds cleared he shot the boy. He was on the ground. Everyone was running and taking cover, it was mad.”
A mum-of-two added: “I heard two shots and everyone was running, there was screaming and a boy lying on the ground. It was terrible.
“I have young boys and I’m scared for their lives every time they go out.”
Another said the event was planned ahead of the Notting Hill Carnival.
The Sun has contacted the event planners, the Caribbean Music Association, for comment.
Police statement in full
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 whey it is so important that we continue our unrelenting focus on suppressing violence and gun crime, and catching the offenders who endanger our communities.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said last night: “Work is ongoing to identify and inform his next of kin.
“No reports of any other injuries. A crime scene remains in place at the location.”
London Ambulance Service added: “We were called at 7.19pm this evening (21 July) to reports of a shooting in a park off Hazlewood Crescent, Ladbroke Grove.
“We sent a number of resources including ambulances crews, paramedics in fast response cars and an incident response officer.
“We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance. Sadly a man died at the scene despite the best efforts of our crews to save his life.”
Anyone with information at this early stage is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD6343/21Jul.
You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
