Police appeal to identify taxi driver following Ilford shooting

Investigators want to identify the driver of this vehicle

Police are appealing for help in identifying a taxi driver, who it is believed may have witnessed a shooting in Ilford.

A 19-year-old was shot in Loxford Lane at around 11.40pm on Friday, 28 June.

Investigators previously said he was shot in the arm while sitting in his vehicle. The victim then chased the suspect and was stabbed. 

He was rushed to hospital and has since been discharged.

A short while later, shots were also reportedly fired in High Road.

No one was injured in the second incident but both are being treated as linked.

Police are now trying to identify a witness, who they believe to be a cab driver, who was driving a light-coloured Vauxhall Zafira, Tourer model from between 2012–2019.

In a statement, the Met Police said: “Specifically the driver was stationary in Castleview Gardens, Gants Hill between 11.12pm and 12.02am the following day, with at least one other person waiting in the cab.

“At some point two more males get into the car, one of which was in possession of a bag which is suspected to have contained a firearm.

“These two men are suspects for the two firearms incidents; both would have occurred while the Zafira was waiting.

“The taxi then left the area and the taxi driver would probably not have known what had occurred.”

One of the shooting happened in Loxford Lane (credit: Google Maps)

Detective Constable Natalie Morris of SCN said: “We are looking for anyone with information to come forward, but in particular we would like to speak the driver of the Vauxhall Zafira.

“The driver was probably not aware of what had occurred, but he may have vital information and I would ask him to do the right thing and call police. I want to reassure anyone who contacts us that they will be fully supported.

“I appreciate that those who carried out the shootings are dangerous men, but we can only keep our communities safe by police and public working together.

“If you want to, you can contact Crimestoppers who will not ask your name and you can give your information and remain totally anonymous.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD9699/28Jun

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.