Five people have been left injured following a drive-by shooting in an area popular with families.

Emergency services were called after shots were fired in the area of Magpie Close, Forest Gate, shortly before 2pm on Good Friday. London’s Air Ambulance also attended the scene.

It is believed the shots were aimed into Forest Lane Park from a car, with the victims then running through Arthur Horsley Walk into Tower Hamlets Road.

All five victims were taken to hospital with one man in a serious condition, but not believed to be life-threatening. The other four are said to be “less seriously injured”, according to police.

A mum-of-two, who did not want to give her name, said parents often took their children to the park after school.

She said: “I’m often in the park with my children.

“To think they could have seen a shooting, it’s shocking.”

Both roads and the alleyway were cordoned off until the evening while police officers investigated the shooting.

One woman who lives opposite the park said she had been calling for better security in the area.

She said: “I’ve been asking for them to put lights in as the road is so quiet.

“We often see groups over the park at night.”

There has been no arrest. Trident officers are investigating and attempting to establish a motive, including whether the incident is gang related.

Anyone with information should call Trident officers on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.