‘This has been happening for 20 years’: Residents say ‘tragic’ shooting of boy, 16, is nothing new
At the scene of a shooting which claimed the life of a young boy yesterday afternoon, residents say they have become “numb” to tragedies after decades of violence.
A murder investigation was launched after cops were called to reports of a shooting in Paradise Road near Stockwell Tube station at around 3.20pm.
Police attended along with the London’s Air Ambulance and London Ambulance Service crews. Lathaniel Burrell, 16, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A crime scene remains in place this morning, patrolled by a heavy police presence.
Rainer Schulze, 71, who lives nearby described the shooting as “awful” and “tragic”.
But, he said: “You come to expect it. This keeps happening.
“What is shocking about this case is it was a shooting not a stabbing and it happened right next to a children’s playground.
“It feels like London is becoming so unsafe.”
Outside Stockwell underground station, a Biffa wheelie bin has been taped off for forensic examination. Police at the scene said the suspect may have touched the container.
A young mother who lived nearby and asked not to be named said the incident was “terrifying”.
She said: “There was a stabbing around here just a few years ago.”
In August 2023, two teenagers were rushed to hospital after a stabbing in Paradise Road. A 17-year-old boy was treated in hospital for a stab wound, while a 15-year-old boy was treated for facial injuries.
The woman said: “When you have teenage boys at home it is scary. Nowhere feels safe for them.”
Police are working to identify the teenager and contact his next of kin. No arrests have been made.
Paradise Road, a large section of the surrounding estate and a caged children’s playground have been taped off by police as enquiries continue.
A group of young men were gathered near the cordoned off area as women and their children laid flowers at the scene.
Christopher Ita, 32, who lives behind Paradise Road, said: “I used to play in this cage as a kid.
“It’s tragic but it’s nothing new. It’s been going on for the past 20 years, you become numb to it.
“It’s just who’s next.”
Mr Ita recalled the murder of Robel Tewelde, 21, who was shot dead with a converted Mac 10 sub machine gun in the stairwell of neighbouring Jephson Court in October, 2007.
Jermaine Callum, 18 at the time, from Clapham, and Ngosi Edwards, who was then 19, of Hemans Street, were found guilty of murder and sentenced to minimum terms of 19 years in 2008 and 2009, respectively.
Last week the Met police announced a new Stop and Search charter to improve the tactic which the force says is invaluable in taking weapons and drugs off the street.
One residents in the area, who asked not to be named, praised the move. He said: “if police stop people who are carrying guns and knives and take those weapons off the street, lives will be saved.”
But, Mr Ita said Stop and Search “is not enough”.
He said: “It’s a policy based on chance and luck. They would have to stop and search everyone for it to really work.
“We need to bring in longer sentences for crimes like stabbings and shootings. That’s what will stop people.”
The leader of Lambeth council, councillor Claire Holland arrived at the scene to thank officers and lay flowers.
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who is leading the local policing response, said: “This is an enormously shocking incident which I imagine will cause huge distress to the local community.
“Our thoughts are with the young boy’s family at this devastating time.
“Local officers are on the scene gathering CCTV and speaking to witnesses to piece together what has happened. They will be supported by specialist homicide investigators shortly.
“Please rest assured we will work around the clock to identify and find those responsible.”
If you were a witness or have any information, please call police on 101 with the reference 4116/4MAR.
You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 if you want to remain anonymous.
Pictured top: Police at the scene in Paradise Road this morning (Picture: Claudia Lee)