WALTHAMSTOW: Two people shot metres from playing children (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

WALTHAMSTOW: Two people shot metres from playing children

4:19pm Tuesday 17th June 2008 in

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TWO people were shot in a Walthamstow street just metres away from where young children were playing.

Police were called just before 2pm on June 7 to reports of a large gang of youths congregating outside a building in Wood Stret.

Two shots were fired and a teenage boy and a 35-year-old man were hit in their legs, suffering from minor injuries.

The 35-year-old worked nearby and had nothing to do with the gang.

Five teenage youths aged between 14 and 18 were arrested.

They have been bailed to return to a east London police station in July and August.

Officers have not yet found the gun used.

The shots were fired just metres from the popular Tumble in the Jungle children's centre where toddlers and older children were playing.

The organisation which runs the centre, The Soul Project, is also developing space to engage teenagers, which it hopes to fit out with computer equipment and a music studio.

Director Steve Barnabas said he was concerned people would associate the popular play centre with the shooting, which happened outside his building.

"It was a group of young people that live in the Wood Street area that were involved. It was nothing to do with any programmes we were running," he said.

"We have worked so hard to provide a safe place for children to play and we have had no trouble at all since we opened a year ago."

Mr Barnabas said none of the children or families inside the centre were affected by the shooting.

"It was just a normal day for us," he said.

A police spokeswoman said: "On arrival officers were informed two shots had been fired, causing minor injuries to two males.

"The youths had already dispersed.

"Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call Trident on 8217 7378 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."