Police are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was fatally shot in Southwark.
Rhyhiem Ainsworth Barton, aged seventeen, was found with a gunshot injury in Warham Street on Saturday, May 5, after reports of gunshots heard in nearby Cooks Road, Kennington, at about 6.05pm.
London Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance provided first aid at the scene but Rhyhiem was sadly pronounced dead at 6.56pm.
No arrests have yet been made and police inquiries continue.
Speaking outside Peckham police station, Southwark Borough Commander Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Messinger said: “My thoughts are with Rhyhiem’s family, friends and the wider community at this devastating time.
“Our homicide team are carrying out an investigation to catch the people responsible.
“This investigation is fast paced and progressing all the time.
“We are urging anyone who can assist us or any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4005, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
“Alternatively they can ring 101 quoting reference cad 6414/5May.
“The violence used has rightly caused concern and we are doing all we can to address this.
“Over the Bank Holiday weekend, additional officers are on the streets across the capital, working hard to keep London safe.
“They are using highly visible local patrols supported by armed response, traffic motorcycles, dog units, and air support – alongside plain clothes intelligence-led operations.
“Locally we are also employing intelligence-led search powers under Section 60 – my colleagues on the streets are using this power really effectively, seizing knives, stopping cars of individuals carrying weapons and making arrests.
“Furthermore, we have been working with our partners and the local authority, speaking regularly with community leaders to brief them on our response.
“Violence has no place on our streets. If you are carrying a weapon in Southwark linked to gang activity, you need to know that we can and will take action against you.
“I want the community to help us tackle this problem.
“As a father, community member and a police officer, I will do absolutely all I can to keep young people and the wider community safe. We can only achieve this if we work together.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or via 101 quoting reference cad 6414/5May.
Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.