Key Points
- A man in his 40s died after suffering gunshot wounds in Clissold Park, Hackney, north London.
- A woman in her 40s was also shot and taken to hospital; her injuries are not life-threatening, and she has since been discharged.
- Police believe the man and woman were known to each other, and the incident is being treated as isolated with no wider public risk.
- A firearm believed to be involved was recovered at the scene.
- The shooting occurred at approximately 7:06 PM on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
- Clissold Park remains closed as investigations continue, with increased police presence and a crime scene established.
- Police have appealed for witnesses who were present during the incident to come forward.
- Hackney Council is supporting police investigations and monitoring the situation.
What happened in the Clissold Park shooting?
As reported by Jake Kanter of Sky News, the shooting took place at Clissold Park in Hackney, London, on the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Police were called to the scene at 7:06 PM following reports of gunfire. Emergency services, including the London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance, attended promptly. A man in his 40s sustained gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead later in hospital, while a woman in her 40s was also shot and required hospital treatment. Paramedics treated her injuries at the scene before transporting her to hospital, and she has since been discharged. A firearm believed to be connected with the incident was recovered by police from within the park.
What is known about the victims?
According to David Child of The Independent, both victims were in their 40s and are believed to have been known to each other. The man, who was shot, died in hospital despite medical efforts. The woman sustained a bullet wound to her torso but her injuries were reported as non-life-threatening, with updates on her medical condition awaited at the time of initial reports.
Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, who oversees policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, commented to the BBC’s SAS Grewal that the investigation is in early stages, but that the relationship between the man and woman was known to the police, reinforcing that the incident appears isolated. He emphasised there is no wider threat to the public and that officers are working swiftly to establish the full facts.
What is the police response and investigation status?
Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Ireland of the Metropolitan Police’s Specialist Crime Command has appealed for witnesses to come forward. She acknowledged the severity and shock of the incident for witnesses and the local community and assured ongoing support to the victims’ families and those affected. The police maintain a cordoned crime scene at Clissold Park, with forensic teams collecting evidence, including clothing and photos, and placing markers to document the site meticulously.
Oliver Richter reiterated it is an isolated case and highlighted the police commitment to working at pace to uncover the circumstances. The park remains closed and guarded to allow an uninterrupted forensic investigation. Police continue to appeal for anyone present at the scene with information to contact them via 101 quoting the reference CAD 6102/17SEP.
How is the community and local authorities reacting?
Hackney Council has expressed its support for the police investigation through social media posts and confirmed the park would remain closed the following morning to ensure a thorough enquiry takes place. The council has pledged to provide an update on Clissold Park’s reopening as soon as possible.
Witnesses to the event described it as “deeply distressing,” with police recognising the emotional impact on those in the park at the time and the wider Stoke Newington community. The Metropolitan Police have emphasised their focus on both the investigation and ongoing community reassurance.
What additional details have emerged about the shooting and scene?
From visual reports by Sky News and the Metropolitan Police, a blue forensic tent was erected at the site, with officers actively documenting the scene. Items such as clothing were recovered as potential evidence, and several numbered evidence markers were placed around the park. Police presence was heightened, and various parts of the park and surrounding areas were guarded and cordoned off during the investigation.
