UK
Masked gunman who shot at car on busy London street in ‘gang dispute’ convicted
A masked gunman who shot at a car on a busy north London street in a “gang dispute” has been convicted.
Ricardo Anderson, 21, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life, and attempted grievous bodily harm.
He opened fire on a vehicle along Park Lane in Tottenham on 27 May last year.
Police said the incident was part of a “dispute involving rival gangs in the area”.
Ricardo Anderson. Pic: Met Police
CCTV captured the moment the blue VW Golf drove down the road, before coming to a stop in the middle of the street.
Anderson was seen on camera pulling a gun from his waistband and firing “wildly” towards the car.
The Metropolitan Police said that an occupant of the vehicle also had a gun and tried to fire back, but the weapon jammed.
Members of the public were left fleeing and sheltering in nearby shops, or by cars, following the attack around 8pm.
The targeted vehicle sped off and Anderson fled the scene on foot.
Pic: Met Police
During a police investigation, officers discovered that a group had congregated in the area earlier to film a music video and one member had been wearing a distinctive blue North Face tracksuit, black trainers, and a balaclava.
CCTV footage allowed police to identify the individual as Anderson, and confirm that he went on to fire at the vehicle.
Anderson was arrested on 31 May last year, and then charged on 1 June.
Read more from Sky News:
Inquiry into death of pedestrian hit by tram at crossing
Woman who rang 999 over 2,000 times in three years jailed
Harry Potter star announces death of wife
The vehicle that Anderson fired at. Pic: Met Police
After being convicted at the Central Criminal Court on 10 April, he is now set to be sentenced on 22 May.
Investigating officer Detective Constable Rhiain John said: “This incident took place in a busy street, on a warm summer’s evening where people were out and shops were open.
“Terrified onlookers including children sought refuge in shops and scrambled for safety behind parked cars.
“Ricardo Anderson had absolutely no concern for them at all. But for sheer luck this could have been a murder investigation.
“From our enquiries we established the incident was part of an ongoing dispute involving rival gangs in the area.”
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
The vehicle was later found to be stolen, and despite extensive enquiries its occupants remain unidentified.