Newham mayor and police chief praise officers following gun battle in Forest Gate

Police and political chiefs have called a shootout in Forest Gate that saw four men charged with three attempted murders “extremely frightening” but “very rare”.

In a joint statement, Newham mayor Rokhsana Fiaz, Det Ch Supt Richard Tucker, borough commander for Newham and Waltham Forest, and Cllr Clare Coghill, leader of Waltham Forest Council, praised officers for ending the incident with no reported injuries.

Gunshots were exchanged during a car chase between armed officers and a BMW just before midnight Thursday.

“Incidents like the one last night are extremely frightening, however it’s important to remember they are also very rare,” the statement read.

“We would like to commend the prompt response of police officers, who brought this potentially very dangerous incident to a quick and decisive end, without injury.

“We will continue to work together to make our streets a safer place for all our residents.”

A firearm was recovered from the vehicle after the chase, which began in Waltham Forest and ended more than a mile away in Bective Road, Forest Gate.

The four men charged — Nathaniel Lewis, 22, of Earlham Grove, Forest Gate; Darnell Joseph-Newill, 21, Willis Road, Plaistow; Troy Ifill, 21, of Torrens Square, Stratford, and Lekan Akinsoji, 20, of no fixed address — are also accused of possessing an axe, shotgun and “zombie knife”, as well as possessing a shotgun with intent to endanger life.

Akinsoji and Lewis have also been charged with possessing a firearm following a suspended sentence.

All four remain in custody to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court today.