Boy shot dead during ‘family fun day’ at Teletubbies Park in west London; police launch murder investigation

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A boy was shot dead during a family event in a park in west London.

The Metropolitan Police arrested six men on suspicion of murder after the 15-year-old was killed in the attack in Ladbroke Grove on Sunday evening, which left those present rushing into the crowd “screaming and panicking”.

Police said officers were notified at around 7.20pm of reports of a shooting at Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance, near Hazlewood Crescent. The park is known locally as “Teletubbies Park” because its children’s playground is decorated in bright colours reminiscent of the TV series.

Rescue workers found a teenager, presumably aged 15, with fatal injuries, who was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

At the time, the park was hosting its annual Park Lime event, described by the event organizer, the Caribbean Music Association, as a fun day for the whole family, featuring music, games, food and drinks.

A security officer who was on duty at the event said MailOnline: “People started running and everyone was screaming. They ran through the barrier.”

Police said they were working to identify and notify the victim’s next of kin. There were no reports of further injuries.

Kensington and Chelsea Council leader Councillor Elizabeth Campbell said she could not even begin to imagine what family and friends must be going through following the “horribly violent” incident.

In a statement from the council on social media platform X, she said: “It is truly shocking and I cannot even begin to imagine what my family and friends must be going through.”

“We will support our communities and assist the police in every way we can.

“Many people are understandably concerned about this horribly violent incident in our neighborhood. I am glad to hear from our police teams that there will be a very visible police presence in the coming days.”

Police have launched a murder investigation. The six men arrested are still in police custody.

A crime scene was still visible on Sunday evening. The city council said Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Park is expected to remain closed throughout Monday.

Joe Powell, MP for Kensington and Bayswater, described the shooting as “horrific news” and called for an end to “these senseless acts of violence”.

In an article on X on Sunday evening, Mr Powell wrote: “I have received the terrible news that a young boy has been shot dead in Golborne this evening – and my thoughts are with his family.”

He added: “These senseless acts of violence must stop.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD6343/21Jul. You can also report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.