In the wake of two separate shootings in one week a London Assembly member has called for an end to police cuts.

Navin Shah, London Assembly member for Harrow and Brent said a “comprehensive clamp down” on violent crime and greater support from the Government was required following a double shooting in Rayners Lane yesterday and the shooting of three people in Brent on Monday.

Mr Shah also said cuts imposed by the Government on the Metropolitan Police Force should stop.

Navin Shah

Harrow Times:

The London Assembly member’s rebuke follows an incident in Kingsbury Road in Brent on Monday, in which two men and one woman were all admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds.

The two men remain in hospital having sustained none life-threatening injuries and the woman has since been discharged from hospital.

The second and most recent incident occurred yesterday evening near Rayners Lane tube station.

Police were called shortly after 5pm with reports of a shooting. Two men, aged 18 and 24, were admitted to hospital suffering gunshot wounds not thought to be life-threatening.

Two suspects, aged 18 and 25, were arrested near the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

Officers from the Trident Area and Gang Crime Command are investigating.

In response to the shootings, Mr Shah, said: “This week, our community has been shaken by two tragic shooting incidents, taking place in Brent and Harrow. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those that were attacked.

“In the wake of this shocking violence residents are understandably concerned. I would like to reassure everyone in our community that the police have strengthened their presence on the ground in both areas and are working to bring the perpetrators to justice.

“However, it is extremely important that people continue to work closely and cooperatively with the police, and I would urge anyone with relevant information relating to these incidents to report it by dialling 101.

“We must take every measure to prevent any further violence from taking place on the streets of Brent and Harrow, which are both host to strong and peaceful communities.

Mr Shah went on to say Mayor Sadiq Khan is “taking action” on violent crime through his Knife Crime Strategy, Violent Crime Taskforce and Young Londoners Fund, which focuses on early intervention.

He added: “It is clear that in order to comprehensively clamp down on violent crime we need to see more support from the Government and an end to the funding cuts they have imposed upon the Met Police”.

Cllr Krishna Suresh, responsible for community cohesion and crime at Harrow Council, said: "It was really shocking, especially as this was the first time I have heard of something like this in Rayners Lane.

"It has clearly 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."

Simon Rose, borough commander for Brent, Barnet and Harrow, said: "The events in Kingsbury Road on Monday night on the Brent Harrow borders, and in Rayners lane West Harrow on Tuesday afternoon are obviously shocking.

"Both incidents are being investigated by detectives from Operation Trident. They are being treated as likely to be linked.

"This violence is unacceptable and will be stopped. Brent and Harrow gangs officers in conjunction with Operation Trident have executed five extra search warrants and this work will continue with increased pace over the coming days.

"These warrants are continuing to retrieve weapons and recover drugs. Those identified are being arrested, charged and remanded in custody."

If you have information about the Rayners Lane incident call 101 quoting reference CAD 5616/aug21. Concerning Kingsbury road, CAD 7952aug20.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.