Lathaniel Burrell, 16, from Stockwell died at the scene following yesterday’s ‘enormously shocking’ shooting, which unfolded just yards away from a London Underground station
A teenage boy who was fatally gunned down just yards from a London Underground station has been pictured for the first time as police hunt a man dressed as a delivery driver.
Lathaniel Burrell, 16, from Stockwell, South London died at the scene after the shooting near a primary school around 2.30pm yesterday. Police remained at the scene in Stockwell today with a large area cordoned off as a murder investigation continued. The boy’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
No arrests have been made, and detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward to help track down the suspect. Met Police’s Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee said: “This is a horrendous crime, which has shocked the local community and beyond. Our thoughts are with Lathaniel’s family and friends at this devastating time. Our investigation is continuing at pace, examining CCTV and collecting witness statements.
“We have deployed officers to the area on reassurance patrol, and have officers on the ground engaging with the local schools. We need the help of the public too – if you were in the local area please think remember back to yesterday afternoon and come forward with any information, no matter how small. We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who has any mobile phone or dash cam footage from the area surrounding Paradise Road.”
It comes after shocked a bystander claimed they saw two boys running down the stairs from a block of flats before a moped rider wearing a delivery driver’s outfit opened fire. The other boy fled and the rider sped off, the witness told BBC London. Another witness living in the area claimed she heard “three bangs” near her home around the time of the incident.
Police said they are keeping an open mind about the possible motive for the attack. They have asked anyone with information to call 101, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 if they wish to remain anonymous.
A local councillor responsible for safety in the Lambeth borough described the incident as a “traumatic moment” for the local community. Cllr Dr Mahamed Hashi, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “We are shocked at this tragic violence in our borough in which a teenager has so cruelly been taken from us. This is an incredibly traumatic moment for our communities, and our thoughts this morning are especially with the victim’s family, loved ones and friends.”