Lissel Maria : “Indian girl critical after London drive-by shooting”

A nine-year-old girl, believed to be Lissel Maria, from Kerala, India, is fighting for her life in a London hospital after being shot in a drive-by shooting in east London. The incident took place while she was out with her family from Birmingham, enjoying a meal at a Turkish restaurant in Hackney.

The little girl, daughter of Vinaya and Ajeesh of Gothuruthu in Kochi, remains in critical condition, while two men, aged 44 and 42, are stable in hospital, with one facing life-changing injuries. Another man, aged 37, has been discharged.

Police Investigation and Community Outreach

Met Police Detective Chief Superintendent (DCS) James Conway, the local policing lead for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, stated that the police investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The police are working tirelessly to piece together the facts and trace those responsible for the crime.

The police are reaching out to the Turkish and Kurdish communities in north and east London, as the victims have connections to these communities. They are urging anyone with information to come forward, especially about the motorbike used in the shooting, a Ducati Monster with distinctive white and red colours.

Community Response

Erim Metto, CEO of the Turkish Cypriot Association, expressed shock over the incident and called on community members to cooperate with the police. He emphasized that the Turkish and Kurdish communities stand against violence and gun crime.

The Met Police reiterated that gun crime has no place in London and appealed to the public for information to bring the perpetrators to justice.

As the investigation continues, the thoughts of the community are with the young girl and her family during this difficult time.

Published on 01 June 2024, 13:36 IST