Turkish Gang Feud Behind Shooting of Nine-Year-Old Girl in Dalston

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A nine-year-old girl was critically injured in a shooting outside the Evin restaurant on Kingsland High Street in Dalston, east London, on 29 May 2024. The attack is believed to be linked to a long-standing feud between two Turkish crime groups operating in north London. Police confirmed the girl, who was eating ice cream inside the restaurant, was struck by a stray bullet, with investigators believing the intended targets were members of the Hackney Turks gang dining outdoors. Three men seated outside the venue were also injured in the incident.

The victim underwent extensive surgery, including reconstruction of her skull using titanium, and spent more than three months in hospital. Doctors warn she will face ongoing physical and cognitive challenges as a result of the shooting. Her recovery has been described as remarkable, though the long-term impact remains uncertain.

Investigators have linked the attack to an enduring rivalry between the Tottenham Turks and the Hackney Turks, two criminal factions connected to multiple violent incidents over the past two decades. Authorities trace the feud back to a 2009 altercation at a north London snooker hall, which is widely considered to have escalated hostilities between the groups.. The Dalston shooting represents the latest and most shocking episode in a cycle of retaliatory violence that continues to endanger local communities.

Javon Riley, 33, was found guilty of three counts of attempted murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent in connection with the attack. Prosecutors presented evidence that Riley conducted reconnaissance before the shooting and later drove the gunman away in a stolen vehicle. The gunman, who fired from a stolen Ducati Monster motorbike, remains at large, prompting ongoing police appeals for information.

Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway described the attack as part of a “tit-for-tat violent pattern” between the two gangs. He emphasised that incidents of this nature frequently result in further retaliatory attacks, perpetuating a cycle of violence that endangers innocent bystanders. Authorities have reinforced patrols in the area and are working to identify and apprehend all individuals involved.

The Metropolitan Police have offered a reward of up to £15,000 for information leading to the capture of the gunman and those who organised the attack. Community leaders and residents have expressed shock and concern, highlighting the lasting impact of gang-related violence on local families. Campaigners have called for more robust preventative measures to address the underlying causes of organised crime and to protect vulnerable communities from similar incidents.

While law enforcement focuses on bringing the perpetrators to justice, the incident has reignited debate over public safety and the influence of organised crime in London. Analysts note that targeted interventions and community engagement are critical in disrupting longstanding gang networks, though such measures require sustained commitment and resources.

The Dalston shooting underscores the risks posed by entrenched criminal feuds and the potential for collateral harm to civilians, particularly children. As Riley faces sentencing and investigations continue, authorities are appealing to the public for assistance in ending the cycle of violence and ensuring accountability for those responsible. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by gang conflicts in London and the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle organised crime and protect communities.