Fatal shooting in Hackney could be 'gang-linked'

Detectives investigating a shooting in east London which left a woman dead are looking at a possible link to shots fired on the same road at the weekend.

42-year old Lianne Gordon died at the scene in Vine Close in Hackney last night.

A man, aged 20, and a 16-year-old boy are also in hospital.

The trio are believed to have known each other but were not related, the Metropolitan Police said.

In a statement at the scene, Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway said:

"I want to offer my most sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims and also to all of those affected in the wider community by this incident.

"It is important that we keep an open mind regarding motive and we will follow the evidence. It is too early in this investigation to comment further on motive, though we are considering the possibility that this was gang-linked."

Mr Conway added:

"We are also aware of a recent incident in which police were again called to shots being fired in Vine Close on the evening of Saturday December 2.

"In response to that separate incident, officers found shell casings at the scene but there was no trace of any victim or suspect.

"The Met specialist crime command is again continuing to investigate that separate incident. However, one of our lines of inquiry is to determine whether these two incidents are linked."

Ms Gordon died at the scene of the shooting, while the two males were taken to hospital, where they remain in a non-life-threatening condition.

Since then tributes have been left at the scene and a neighbour has described her as a 'lovely person who was always smiling and joking'.

Speaking at a press conference in Rendlesham Road on Wednesday, she said:

"I just want to say this is an absolutely heart-breaking incident and my thoughts and everyone's at the council's are with the loved ones of Lianne and of the other injured victims.

"We are working with the police to support the families of the victims and will continue to do so in the coming weeks and months.

"We are also working with local schools and community groups to offer any support they need.

"While incidents like this are thankfully rare in Hackney, we know that the community will be shocked, worried and distressed. Council officers are in the area to support the police investigation and provide reassurance to local people. We also have outreach workers in the area to make sure people can speak to us about any concerns they have.

The London Mayor, Sadiq Khan has also offered his condolences.

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