Harrow Council’s new community cohesion and crime leader has urged the public “not to panic” following a double-shooting outside a tube station.

Cllr Krishna Suresh, who assumed the specially-created role earlier this year, said things were “under control” and that people should trust the police.

Two men were found with gunshot wounds near Rayners Lane Station shortly after 5pm on Tuesday.

Cllr Suresh, who represents Rayners Lane ward, noted that there will be inevitable concerns following an incident such as this but assured residents that their safety is a primary concern.

“It was really shocking, especially as this was the first time I have heard of something like this in Rayners Lane,” he said.

“It’s a very lively environment and the night time economy works really well.

“It has shaken the community and I hope it doesn’t put the young people in the ward on edge.

“But I want to assure the community that things are under control and that they shouldn’t panic.”

The incident came just a day after three people were shot outside Kingsbury Station, which is less than five miles away in neighbouring Brent.

Simon Rose, the borough commander for Barnet, Brent and Harrow, said the shootings are “being treated as likely to be linked”.

Cllr Suresh was full of praise for Mr Rose and his team and said he is pleased to see them working on preventative methods when it comes to violent crime in the region.

He said: “I would like to thank the police officers for their quick reaction – they really did a great job.

“I hope they can get to the bottom of this and try and work out why things like this are happening.”

The commands in Harrow, Brent and Barnet have merged into a single unit as the Metropolitan Police tries to cope with services cuts.