Shotgun terror: Residents fearful after Prince Regent Lane shooting
Residents say the shooting has left them scared to leave their homes after dark - Credit: Archant
Elderly residents are too scared to leave their homes after dark, after a pair of 17-year-old students were shot in the back with a shotgun on Bonfire Night.
It is believed only one shot was fired, hitting both teenagers - Credit: Archant
The duo are thought to have been hanging around where Prince Regent Lane meets Fortis Close, Custom House, when two figures approached them, one of them carrying the weapon.
Before any words were spoken the boys tried to run off, but were hit with a single shot.
The pair, who live nearby, were rushed to hospital but have since been released.
Det con John Braney, of Trident Gang Crime Command, described it as a “random attack”, and is not ruling out the possibility it was gang or drug-related.
It is believed only one shot was fired, hitting both teenagers - Credit: Archant
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“We are hoping it’s a one-off incident,” he said.
“I would urge residents not to be alarmed and continue going about their daily business.”
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Retired care worker Frances Whalcott, 67, has lived in Prince Regent Lane since 1981 but says the area has hit rock bottom.
She claims groups of men smoke cannabis outside her home everyday and believes the problem may have its roots in drugs.
“I saw a boy come running past my window and heard a bang, I just assumed it was a firework,” she said. “He then ran off again.
“It’s going from bad to worse around here, it’s out of control.
“If something doesn’t change soon people will get killed.”
A 72-year-old living in nearby Alnwick Road, but asked to stay anonymous, used to walk through Fortis Close to reach the shops.
“I won’t walk through there ever again,” she said. “I was trembling when I heard about the shooting – I’m really scared.”
Una Ferry, 66, of Prince Regent Lane said: “I don’t go out at all in the evenings any more. There are gangs of boys everywhere, it’s really intimidating.
Anyone that saw or heard anything suspicious between 7.45 and 8.15pm in the Fortis Close, Prince Regent Lane or ‘Jay’s Store area’ should call the Trident investigation room on 020 8317 7374, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
