A man is fighting for his life after he was found stabbed just 700 metres from a Brixton 'barbecue party' where four people had been shot only an hour earlier.
Metropolitan Police officers were called at 1.14am on Saturday to reports of shots fired from a vehicle in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton, and at 2.17am to reports of a stabbing in nearby Acre Lane.
Four people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds following the Coldharbour Lane incident, including a 25–year–old man who remains in a life–threatening condition.
Three other victims, aged 21, 47, and 70, were also hospitalised, with their injuries assessed as not life-threatening or life-changing.
Some 700 metres away in Acre Lane, a 33–year–old man was found with multiple stab wounds and taken to hospital where he remains in a life–threatening condition.
No arrests have been made yet in connection with either event.
Officers are investigating the possibility that the two incidents are linked, the Met said.
Police and specialist crime officers arrived on the scene within four minutes of the initial 1:14 am call, providing emergency first aid alongside paramedics.
A police cordon on Acre Lane in Brixton, south London. Police are investigating the possibility that the stabbing of a man and the shooting of four people in the same area of south London are linked
Officers were called at 1.14am on Saturday to reports of gunshots and at 2.17am to reports of a stabbing, with both incidents taking place in Brixton
Several police officers were later seen searching an area of grass outside the Southwyck House estate, on Coldharbour Lane, on Saturday evening.
Investigators in blue overalls, masks, and gloves were seen inspecting debris, including a bicycle, a foil blanket, and bags, strewn across the road.
Footage posted online, appearing to depict the shooting, showed a man receiving CPR on the pavement near the Coldharbour Lane Open Space, while another man in a yellow hat was seen being treated by paramedics on a nearby bench.
Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, described the shooting as an 'act of indiscriminate violence.'
An estate resident said he believed the incident took place during a barbecue party on the patch of green, while a shop worker told of providing shelter to people in the wake of gunshots.
Moh John, 45, who works at supermarket Payless Food & Wine outside Southwyck House estate, told the Press Association: 'I was putting something there and I heard the noises.
Investigators wearing blue overalls, masks and gloves inspect the scene on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, south London
Police searching near the scene after four people were taken to hospital with gunshot wounds in Brixton
Officers maintained a large cordon on the south London street and the Met said there would be an increased police presence in the coming days
'It was busy, there was a party. I saw the people run away.
'But then I saw the people, some people try to come in the shop and I locked the door.'
Mr John also confirmed that the police have already collected his shop's CCTV footage to assist with the investigation.
He said those rushing inside the supermarket were 'scared', adding he kept the front door locked for 'some time' before he reopened it.'
Robert, 40, who did not want to give his surname, said he did not see the incident as he was inside all night but told PA: 'I think it happened at the barbecue. It was packed.
'I usually feel safe around here, people know each other and get on. There's been a few stabbings, and one day one gun was caught, but I don't think anyone's ever been shot like this.'
The Met has announced an increased police presence in Brixton over the coming days to reassure a community shaken by the violence.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact the police or Crimestoppers quoting reference CAD 557/2May for the Coldharbour Lane shooting and quoting CAD 907/2May for the Acre Lane stabbing.