Boy, 15, shot dead in front of children at family fun day in ‘Teletubbies Park'
A teenage boy was shot and killed in front of parents and children attending a family fun day at 'Teletubbies Park'.
People were dancing and having fun when Rene Graham was shot in the chest by a masked assassin with a handgun at 'Teletubbies Park' – Emslie Horniman's Pleasance open space – in Ladbroke Grove last July.
Police officers are searching for more information on the killing at the pre-Notting Hill Carnival event, with locals claiming a brutal gang war has erupted in the area.
CCTV video shows a balaclava-clad suspect clutching a gun as he strolled towards the park.
The shooter entered through the busy park's children's play area before killing Rene, who died at the scene, in the early evening.
The Met Police footage also reveals the gunman hunted down a second victim in the middle of a crowded street.
The suspect had made a quick getaway by jumping over the park's fence before running.
He then ran after the second man on Kensal Road and attempted to open fire again.
Answers to the shooting lie within a 'small pocket of the community' and people are likely 'sitting on the name' of the shooter, police said.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, who is leading the investigation said: 'Rene was tragically shot dead during a busy music festival.
'Since the launch of the investigation, officers have reviewed hundreds of hours of CCTV and taken numerous statements from witnesses.
'Rene's family have continued to be supported throughout these enquiries, and they remain understandably devastated about his death.
'Recently, a man in his 20s was interviewed under caution in relation to Rene's murder and we continue to investigate all lines of enquiry.'
Alongside the appeal, charity Crimestoppers is offering a £20,000 reward for leads that solve Rene's murder.
DCI Foxwell added: 'The person responsible for Rene's murder opened fire in a busy park where dozens of people, including very young children, were enjoying themselves.
'Officers have appealed to the local community on multiple occasions – we believe there are people sitting on the name of the person responsible.
'This person, who was willing to take the life of Rene and risk the lives of others, remains in your community. Now is the time to get in touch with us to give Rene's family the peace they deserve.
'Our thoughts, remain as ever, with them.'
The violence follows a long-running gang 'war' between two rival groups, locals have claimed.
The competing gangs are said to be the Ladbroke Grove Boys (LGB), based on the Kensal New Town Estate, and the Harrow Road Boys (HRB) from the Mozart Estate.
One bystander at the park on the day of the shooting, Beverley Campbell,told MailOnline: 'Everybody around here knows about the war between the LGB and HRB.
'This is quite a rough area and gang members attacking each other is not a new thing.'
Another local of the Kensal New Town Estate, Kelvin, 38, claimed: 'It may sound a bit crazy to outsiders, but this rivalry is not a new thing.
'It's been going on for years and all of us refer to each other as from being 'over the water.
'We don't like them, and they don't like us. But the gangs have taken it to another level and things have got a lot worse.
'They're constantly attacking each other and most of these don't even get reported to the police. If a gang member or any young person is found in the wrong territory, then it always causes problems.'
The Mozart estate, completed in 1974, has 737 houses and flats in 25 medium-rise blocks, while 1970s-era Kensal New Town estate also has around 700 flats and homes.
Both are around the corner from the elite neighbourhood of Notting Hill, filled to the brim with A listers and multi-million-pound homes.
Charity Crimestoppers are asking people to 'do the right thing' and come forward with information to help bring Rene's killer to justice.
Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: 'Rene, was very sadly murdered last year in broad daylight with over two hundred people present.
'The significant and lasting impact on his family, friends, and the local community, cannot be underestimated and our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.
'We believe someone who either witnessed the incident or knows of someone who was there on the day, will have information.
'No matter how insignificant they think it could be, it could help bring those responsible to justice.
'You can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously – we won't ask for your name and are unable to identify your telephone number or IP address if you are reporting online. More Trending
'We don't record calls, so once you have contacted our Charity there is no further involvement.
'Your information is passed anonymously on to the Police with no questions asked.
'Please do the right thing to find justice for Rene, who was only 15 years-old at the time of his death.
'Your information could make a real difference, and you may be eligible for a reward.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
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