A man has died and a woman has been injured following a shooting incident in Clissold Park, Hackney, north London. The Metropolitan Police were called to the popular park on Wednesday evening, September 17, 2025, following reports of gunshots.
Emergency Response and Immediate Aftermath
Officers from the Metropolitan Police, alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance, were dispatched to Clissold Park shortly after 7:00 PM. Upon arrival, they discovered a man and a woman, both in their 40s, who had sustained gunshot wounds.
The man received immediate treatment for his injuries, but tragically, he was pronounced dead in hospital later that evening. The police are currently undertaking efforts to formally identify his next of kin. The injured woman was treated by paramedics at the scene. Her injuries were not deemed life-threatening or life-changing, and she was subsequently discharged from hospital. She and her family are receiving support from specialist officers.
A firearm, believed to be involved in the incident, was safely recovered by officers at the scene. A significant police presence and a crime scene were established within the park, leading to its temporary closure. Hackney Council stated it was supporting the police investigation and advised that the park would remain closed on Thursday morning.
Police Investigation: An Isolated Event
Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Ireland, leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, stated that the investigation is in its early stages. However, a key development revealed by the police is that the man and woman involved in the incident were known to each other.
Police are treating the shooting as an isolated incident and have reassured the public that there is no wider risk. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, acknowledged the distressing nature of the event for those present and the wider community.
Officers are actively working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. A specific appeal for witnesses has been issued, as many individuals were present in the park at the time of the incident and may possess crucial information. The police have urged anyone who was at Clissold Park on Wednesday evening and has not yet come forward to contact them. Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 6102/17SEP.
Community Reaction and Context
The shooting in Clissold Park, a popular destination for families and dog walkers, has sent ripples of shock and concern through the local london community. Residents described hearing loud popping sounds, with some initially mistaking them for fireworks.
Mayor of Hackney, Caroline Woodley, described the event as “terrible” and expressed gratitude for the swift response of emergency services, also stating her intent to ensure the injured woman and affected individuals receive necessary support.
While police are treating this as an isolated event, the incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding gun crime in the capital. Recent past events, such as a shooting in Dalston in May 2024 where a nine-year-old girl was critically injured, have underscored the indiscriminate nature of such violence. The Metropolitan Police have dedicated operations and teams aimed at tackling gun crime in boroughs like Hackney.
Ongoing Efforts
As the investigation continues, Clissold Park remains a focal point for forensic examination. The Metropolitan Police are committed to providing updates as new information becomes available. The recovery of the firearm and the identification of the deceased man’s next of kin are among the immediate priorities for the investigating officers. This tragic event in a community green space serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in maintaining public safety, and this news continues to be closely followed by the public and media.
