Arrest made following shooting of eight-year-old girl and father in Ladbroke Grove

Authorities have apprehended a 22-year-old male in connection with an alleged attempted murder, following a shooting incident targeting a vehicle that resulted in serious injuries to an eight-year-old girl and her father. Both individuals were transported to a hospital after the shooting, which occurred on Southern Row in Ladbroke Grove around 17:30 GMT on Sunday. The Metropolitan Police reported that they are in a serious but stable condition. The police force further stated that both victims suffered “serious gunshot injuries.” The girl is presently undergoing surgery, while her 34-year-old father’s injuries are potentially life-altering. Supt Owen Renowden confirmed that the girl’s two-year-old sibling and their 32-year-old mother were also inside the vehicle but were “thankfully unharmed.” Supt Renowden stated: “I want to take this opportunity now to thank the members of public who came to the aid of those who were injured last night.” He further mentioned that the investigation is “progressing at pace” and urged anyone with information regarding the incident, “no matter how insignificant,” to come forward. An eyewitness, who was visiting her mother in the vicinity, reported observing a man firing “multiple times” during the event. The woman recounted: “I was literally coming out of the exit to my mum’s block of flats and as I was going out I saw a guy shooting into the car multiple times.” She elaborated: “He was firing directly, like at close range, as if you’re standing to open a door, they were shooting directly into it.” “I was completely in shock and I just ran back up the stairs because I was really scared.” “Then I looked and I heard screaming afterwards, and then people coming out to call the police.” She also commented: “I’ve noticed in the last several years, it has become a lot more unsafe for the people here.” A resident of the street informed BBC London that learning of a young child’s injury was a “nightmare” situation. He expressed: “It’s really sad. I hope that she’s in a better condition and that she gets well soon.” “It should not happen – this is a very lively area, there’s never any kind of trouble.” “But you never know, it can be problematic sometimes as well.” A woman visiting a friend in the vicinity characterized the event as “terrible” and reported being in shock. She further remarked: “I used to live around this area and it always seemed relatively normal and a nice area so it’s really disturbing.” Another woman, whose son attends a local school, commented: “I don’t see why this happens in this particular area.” “It’s kind of peaceful and everybody’s friendly. “Obviously if something affects little children I think it just shouldn’t happen. I really wonder why, and then, how can we prevent it?”” The London Ambulance Service reported that its personnel arrived within six minutes, provided treatment to two patients at the location, and then transported them to a major trauma centre with priority. Joe Powell, the Member of Parliament for Kensington and Bayswater, expressed that he was “appalled by the shooting.” He stated: “These senseless acts of violence have no place on our streets.” Powell further remarked: “I know residents in the local community will be rightly concerned for their safety after several recent incidents in the neighbourhood,” adding, “We must work together to better prevent these horrific crimes from happening, and hold those responsible to account.”