• 25-year-old man said to be in critical condition; injuries of other victims ‘non-life-threatening’
• Police increase patrols, launch hunt for suspects
• Two killed following a house explosion in Bristol

LONDON: Four people were hospitalised, one in critical condition, after a drive-by shooting disrupted a late-night barbecue in south London, according to the Metropolitan Police and news reports.

Emergency services were called to reports of gunfire on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton in the early hours of Saturday. Officers arrived within minutes alongside paramedics and found four individuals with gunshot wounds.

All four victims were treated at the scene before being taken to a hospital.

A 25-year-old man is said to be in a life-threatening condition, while three others aged 21, 47 and 70 sustained injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing, authorities said.

Authorities believe the shooting occurred during or shortly after a barbecue gathering. No arrests have been made, and an investigation is underway.

Police described the incident as an act of “indiscriminate violence” and said efforts to trace the suspects are ongoing.

Detectives have increased patrols in the neighbourhood, acknowledging concerns among residents following the attack.

Witnesses reported scenes of panic as the shots were fired. A nearby shop worker described hearing gunfire and seeing people flee, with some seeking refuge inside his store. He temporarily locked the premises to protect those sheltering inside.

Another local resident said the area is generally considered safe despite occasional incidents, noting that such a shooting was unprecedented in his experience.

Police have appealed for information from the public, urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage to come forward.

Blast in Bristol

Separately, a man and a woman died and three others were injured in a “suspicious” explosion at a house in Bristol, police said.

Three people were taken to a hospital for minor injuries. A major incident was declared as officers cordoned off the area and evacuated nearby residents from their homes. The force said the blast was “suspicious” but was not being treated as a terrorist incident, according to reports.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2026