Birmingham Girl Shot in Head During London Restaurant Gang Attack
Shocking CCTV footage captured the moment terrified diners rushed for cover as a hitman on a motorbike opened fire on a restaurant, shooting a nine-year-old Birmingham girl in the head. The innocent victim was eating ice cream with her family during a trip to London when she was caught in the crossfire of a brutal gangland feud.
Innocent Victim in Gangland Crossfire
The attack occurred in May 2024 at the Evin Restaurant on Kingsland High Street in Dalston, London. While three men from a rival gang were the intended targets, the young girl became an unintended victim. A bullet remains lodged in her brain, and her family has described how her life was ruined in a fraction of a second.
Footage from inside the restaurant shows customers scrambling from their seats as gunfire peppered the venue. Dashcam video then captured the biker escaping the scene. The gunman has never been found, and there is currently a £15,000 reward for information leading to his identification, arrest, and prosecution.
Mastermind Behind the Attack Sentenced
Javon Riley, 33, from Tottenham in north London, was identified by the Metropolitan Police as the orchestrator of the attack. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 34 years in September last year after being found guilty at the Old Bailey of attempting to murder three men and causing grievous bodily harm to the girl.
Detectives revealed that Riley had surveyed the area over several days prior to the attack, even sitting in a bar opposite the restaurant while sipping pina coladas to observe traffic patterns. On the night of the shooting, he drove from north London in a stolen vehicle, passing by the restaurant multiple times to confirm his targets were present.
Gang Feud Background
The investigation found that the injured men were believed to be associated with the Hackney Turks gang, which had an ongoing feud with the Tottenham Turks gang connected to Riley. After the shooting, Riley ensured the gunman got away by removing him from the scene and disposing of the weapon.
Police Appeal for Information
Following Riley's sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, who led the investigation, emphasized that while justice had been served for the orchestrator, the shooter remains at large. "The dangerous man responsible for pulling the trigger is walking free, and it is imperative we find him," she said.
DCI Yorke appealed directly to those with information: "People out there know what happened and are choosing to stay quiet. We understand that you may be worried about talking to us, but it is vital we hear from anyone who can assist this investigation."
She assured potential witnesses that any information would be treated with the utmost care and confidentiality, adding that coming forward would play a huge part in securing justice for the young girl and her family.
How to Help
Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference numbers 8082/29MAY24 or 01/402921/24. Information can also be provided confidentially via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
