Leafy London suburb ‘on lockdown’ after ‘gunshots and high-speed car chase’

Detectives put a northwest London neighbourhood on ‘lockdown’ after reports of a car chase during which witnesses believed they heard gunshots.

Police closed several roads in Kenton and told residents to stay indoors after reports of a high-speed pursuit along roads in the area.

The investigation centred on Kenton Lane, which remained closed off for 12 hours after the incident was reported on Sunday.

CID officers remained on the scene on Monday, interviewing neighbours and collecting CCTV and Ring doorbell footage.

Searches were also carried out of drains along the road in case a weapon had been discarded in one.

The Metropolitan Police said no arrests have been made at this stage and there has been no conformation that a gun was actually fired.

Roads in Kenton were closed off for 12 hours by police (Picture: John Dunne)

A mother of four, who lives in Kenton Lane, told Metro: ‘It was all quiet, and then loads of police were on the street.

‘They started blocking all the surrounding roads. I went out to look and they told me to stay indoors.

‘I was frightened for my children they wouldn’t tell us what the danger was. It was like everything was locked down and my house is still in the crime scene.

‘I had to do the school run going through police tape which is so difficult as it’s upsetting for the kids.’

A pensioner who has lived in Kenton Lane for more than 50 years added: ‘There were police officers everywhere all you could see was blue lights. They told us to stay in for own safety.’

Roads were jammed for the Monday morning commute as the police operation continued.

Officers said a 30-year-old man involved in a vehicle collision had been found unharmed at the scene. 

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘An investigation has been launched following an incident in Kenton.

‘On Sunday, 20 September at around 20:50hrs, police were called to reports of a car pursuing another vehicle.

‘Shortly afterwards, officers received a report of possible gunshots in the same area, as well as a report of a collision involving the same two cars.
‘While enquiries are in their early stages, no evidence has been identified to suggest that a firearm was discharged. However, a search of the local area remains ongoing.

‘Officers responded within minutes and located a driver of one of the vehicles. The 30-year-old man did not report any injuries.

‘A police scene remains in place on Kenton Lane and Curzon Avenue, with an increased police presence while enquiries continue. Those involved in the incident are believed to be known to each other and there is not believed to be any threat to the wider public. 

‘Local neighbourhood officers are conducting extra patrols in the area to provide further reassurance to the community. No arrests have been made while the investigation remains ongoing’.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. 

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