Armed raid on house on Western Avenue

Residents flee as shots fired by two gunmen

Police are appealing for witnesses after an incident in Western Avenue, Acton at around 9.15pm on, Sunday 11th September. Two men, who had been seen loitering around the premises earlier that evening, forced entry into a residential property and fired a number of shots.

The first man is described as white, in his early 20's wearing a baseball cap and top with the hood up.

The second man is described as dark-skinned - possibly Mediterranean or Asian - also aged in his 20's and wearing a baseball cap and top with the hood up. One of the men was holding an open umbrella.

Two residents - a man, aged 39 and a woman, aged 40 - who were upstairs in separate bedrooms, climbed out of first floor windows to escape.

The male victim left the area and called police before returning to the scene. The female alerted neighbours who also contacted the police but by the time they arrived the suspects had left the scene..

The residents, despite not being hit by any of the shots fired, were taken to hospital where they received treatment for minor injuries and were discharged the following day.

DC Glen Butler said, " 'This is an appalling crime and it is extremely fortunate that nobody was more seriously injured. The Metropolitan Police Service is dedicated to reducing gun crime and I appeal to anyone with information to contact us'

Anyone with information or who may have been in the area at the time of the attack are asked to call the incident room on 020 8217 7366 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

September 14, 2005