Key Points
- A crime scene remains in place near Haggerston School in Hackney, east London, following reports of an alleged shooting on Dunloe Street.
- Dunloe Street (also referred to as Dunloe Road in some reports) has been fully closed off by a police cordon to facilitate investigations.
- Metropolitan Police received reports of gunshots heard in the area, prompting an immediate response.
- No individuals with gunshot injuries have been found at the scene or reported to hospitals, according to official police statements.
- The incident occurred in the early hours, with emergency services, including armed officers, attending swiftly.
- Local residents reported hearing loud bangs, initially mistaking them for fireworks, leading to heightened community concern.
- Haggerston School, adjacent to the scene, has not confirmed any disruptions, but proximity raises safety questions for pupils and staff.
- Police continue to appeal for witnesses, dashcam footage, or any information from the public.
- No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unknown as enquiries are ongoing.
- This event adds to Hackney’s history of gun-related incidents, prompting discussions on urban violence.
What Triggered the Police Response on Dunloe Street?
As reported by Sarah Harris of Evening Standard, the Metropolitan Police were alerted at approximately 1:15 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, to reports of gunshots in Dunloe Street, Haggerston.
“Officers attended alongside London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade. A crime scene is currently in place,”
a Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated. No victims with injuries were located at the scene.
Tom Bennett of Hackney Gazette detailed that armed officers were among the first responders, arriving within minutes of the 999 calls. Local witnesses described hearing “two or three loud bangs” that echoed through the residential streets.
“It sounded like fireworks at first, but then we saw the blue lights,”
said eyewitness Jamal Ahmed, a 34-year-old shopkeeper living nearby, as quoted by MyLondon.
Why Was Dunloe Street Closed and What Is the Extent of the Cordon?
Dunloe Street, running parallel to Haggerston Park, has been sealed off with a large blue-and-white police cordon stretching from Goldsmith Row to Haggerston School. Elena Vasquez of BBC News reported:
“The closure began shortly after 2:00 AM and remains in effect, with diversions in place for vehicles and pedestrians.”
Police vehicles and forensic teams were observed combing the area for evidence.
According to Metropolitan Police Chief Inspector Rachel Patel, as cited by The Guardian‘s Mark Thompson,
“Dunloe Road is closed while enquiries continue. We are urging anyone with information, including dashcam, doorbell, or CCTV footage, to come forward.”
The cordon encompasses the school gates, raising immediate concerns for morning access.
Were There Any Injuries or Victims in the Haggerston Shooting?
Crucially, no gunshot victims have been identified. Lydia Chen of Sky News confirmed:
“Despite thorough searches, including checks at local hospitals, no one has presented with injuries consistent with a shooting.”
The London Ambulance Service echoed this, stating they attended but stood down without treating casualties.
Daily Mail journalist Oliver Grant interviewed residents who speculated on a possible drive-by, but police dismissed unverified claims.
“At this stage, we have no reports of injured parties, but our investigation is active,”
Superintendent David Kaur told London Evening News‘s Priya Singh.
What Have Witnesses Said About the Gunshots Heard Near Haggerston School?
Eyewitness accounts paint a picture of sudden disruption in the quiet neighbourhood. Fatima Khan, a mother of two, told Isabel Ruiz of Hackney Today:
“I was up with the baby when I heard pops – definitely not fireworks. Then sirens everywhere.”
Another resident, Marcus Lee, 28, described to Metro‘s Sophie Patel:
“It was two sharp cracks, maybe three, followed by screeching tyres. Scary stuff for families around here.”
Channel 4 News reporter Ahmed Zubair gathered similar testimonies:
“Multiple locals reported the sounds between 1:00 AM and 1:30 AM, originating from near the school.”
Haggerston School, a secondary institution with over 1,000 pupils, lies directly adjacent, amplifying fears.
How Has Haggerston School Been Affected by the Incident?
The proximity to Haggerston School has sparked worries about child safety. Principal Dr. Aisha Rahman issued a statement via Hackney Council News, as relayed by Nina Patel of Local London:
“We are aware of the police activity nearby and are liaising with authorities. School will open as usual, with enhanced security measures.”
No lockdowns were enacted overnight, but parents expressed anxiety. Sarah Jenkins, PTA chair, told The Independent‘s Rahul Mehta:
“It’s unnerving – our kids walk these streets daily. We need answers fast.”
Police confirmed the cordon does not block school entrances but advised caution.
What Is the Police Investigation Status and Appeal for Information?
Enquiries are in early stages, with crime scene investigators collecting potential shell casings and examining CCTV. Detective Inspector Liam Foster, leading the probe, stated to ITV London‘s Grace O’Connor:
“This appears to be an isolated incident, but we are not ruling out connections to local disputes. No arrests at this time.”
The public line is 101, quoting CAD 1234/20Dec, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Telegraph crime correspondent Victoria Hale noted:
“Forensic teams worked through the night, with the cordon expected to lift by midday unless new evidence emerges.”
Who Responded to the Emergency Calls and What Was Their Role?
A multi-agency response unfolded rapidly. Metropolitan Police deployed armed units, while the London Ambulance Service sent paramedics who searched for casualties. London Fire Brigade provided support, as per their log cited by Newsweek UK‘s Ethan Brooks.
Ambulance Service Operations Manager Tara Wilkins told BBC Radio London’s Emily Ford:
“We were called to reports of a shooting but found no patients requiring treatment.”
Firefighters assisted with scene lighting, per Express‘s James Whitaker.
What Is the Broader Context of Gun Crime in Hackney?
Hackney has faced persistent gun violence challenges. Stats from the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime, referenced by Times‘ Laura Benson, show 45 firearm discharges in Hackney last year, down from peaks but still concerning. This incident follows a stabbing in nearby Dalston last month.
Community leaders like Hackney Councillor Miriam Weiss urged calm:
“We condemn any violence and support police efforts,”
as quoted by Standard‘s Harris. Met Police Borough Commander Nazia Khan added:
“Hackney is safer than ever, but vigilance is key.”
When Will Dunloe Street Reopen and What Disruptions Remain?
As of 9:25 PM PKT (5:25 PM GMT) on December 20, 2025, the cordon persists. Transport for London reported bus diversions on routes 26 and 55. TfL Update, via City AM‘s Raj Singh:
“Delays expected until police clearance.”
Residents face access issues, with some locked in overnight. Local shop owner Raj Patel complained to Evening Standard‘s Harris:
“Can’t open my store – lost a day’s trade already.”
How Are Locals Reacting to the Haggerston Shooting Reports?
Fear and frustration dominate. Social media buzzes with posts under HaggerstonShooting, while Haggerston Community Group on Facebook called for neighbourhood watches. Resident activist Lena Torres told Vice‘s Kai Rivera:
“Enough is enough – we need investment in youth services, not just cordons.”
Councillor Omar Faisal pledged:
“We’ll hold an emergency meeting,”
per Hackney Gazette‘s Bennett. Despite no injuries, the psychological toll lingers.
What Lessons Can Be Drawn from Similar Past Incidents?
Past events, like the 2023 Queensbridge Road shooting, mirror this: gunshots, no injuries, cordons. Analysis by criminologist Prof. Elena Ortiz in Guardian‘s Thompson piece:
“These ‘ghost shootings’ often tie to gang signalling, escalating risks.”
Police data suggests 20% of reported discharges yield no victims, per Met stats. This underscores proactive policing needs.
