A North London community is struggling to come to terms with a shooting that unfolded at Angel Central shopping centre on Tuesday evening, leaving one man with life-changing injuries and prompting a major police investigation.
The incident occurred at 10.25pm when police responded to reports of gunfire in Islington. Two men, aged 33 and 27, were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Scotland Yard later confirmed that the 33-year-old victim has suffered life-changing injuries.
Angel Central remains closed as detectives pursue every lead to identify the shooter. No arrests have been made, and the Metropolitan Police are appealing for witnesses and information from the public.
Community fears over gun crime
Residents living near the shopping centre expressed shock at the violence erupting in what they consider a safe, familiar part of Islington. Anthony, who has lived in the area for 15 years, said: “I can’t believe it. For it to happen in the shopping centre is shocking. I’m concerned about gun crime in London but I know Islington. I didn’t think it would happen in this vicinity.”
Another long-time Angel resident told MyLondon the area was much safer when they first moved in, but it has since gone downhill. A 70-year-old woman, visibly shocked as she looked at the police cordon, voiced her concerns: “It’s not good. It shouldn’t happen here, this is a shopping centre! It’s always so busy.”
She reflected on how different London felt in earlier decades, adding: “London wasn’t like this when I came here as a child. Now, I come out to shop, and I come because I’m scared.”
Concertgoers locked inside during police response; increased patrols to follow
The shooting’s impact extended beyond the shopping centre. MyLondon understands that concertgoers were momentarily locked inside O2 Academy Islington, which sits close to Angel Central, as police secured the area following the double shooting.
Chief Superintendent Jason Stewart, who leads policing in Islington, described the incident as “incredibly reckless” in a busy area close to a major venue and acknowledged the fear it had generated. “Violence has no place in our communities, and we are pursuing every available line of enquiry to identify those involved,” he said.
The Metropolitan Police have announced an increased presence in the area over the coming days. Residents with concerns are encouraged to speak to officers on patrol. Police are working with partners to reopen Angel Central as soon as the investigation allows.
How to help police
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 7386/27OCT. Alternatively, the independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
