Arrests made over shooting of Sasha Johnson

Police have made five arrests

Author: Louise EastonPublished 26th May 2021
Last updated 26th May 2021

Following the shooting of black equal rights campaigner Sasha Johnson in Peckham, detectives have made five arrests.

The group aged between 17 and 28 are being questioned on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody.

Searches are ongoing at two residential addresses in Peckham and in relation to a car that was stopped.

27 year old Sasha Johnson remains in a critical condition in hospital

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard from the Met’s Specialist Crime who leads the investigation said:

“While the investigation remains in its early stages, these arrests show that progress is being made. However, I would continue to appeal to those who may hold information about the events that led to Sasha receiving her horrific injuries, or about those responsible, to do the right thing and come forward and speak to police.”

Superintendent Kris Wright, from the Central South Command Unit, responsible for policing in Southwark and Lambeth said:

“These arrests are the result of instinctive local police work, combined with fast-time intelligence gathering, and shows the effectiveness of the various police teams in the Met working together.

“Local officers, supported by specialist teams, will continue to be in and around the Peckham area in the coming days and I continue to urge anyone with concerns to engage with them.”

The investigation was launched after officers were called just before 3am on Sunday, 23 May following reports of gunshots in Consort Road, SE15.

They attended with London Ambulance Service paramedics and found Sasha Johnson who had been shot.

Police say at this stage they do not believe the shooting was a targeted attack

A man - believed to be in 20's - also suffered a superficial knife injury during the incident. He attended hospital and was discharged following treatment.

At this time, no other injuries have been reported.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD1172/23MAY.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.