TRIPLE SHOOTING
Horror as three teenagers including two 14-year-old boys are shot on quiet street in Orpington – with gunman on the run
Operation Trident cops have launched a manhunt
A GUNMAN is on the run after three teenagers including two 14-year-old boys were shot on a quiet street.
Cops were called to the road in Orpington, south London, at 10pm yesterday following reports of a man being shot.
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They found an 18-year-old with gunshot wounds before discovering two 14-year-old boys had also been shot.
The force established the shooting had taken place in nearby Yalding Grove.
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All three were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service where their injuries were deemed non-life threatening.
Residents living near to the scene thought the gunshots were "fireworks" at first - and say they no longer feel safe in their neighbourhood.
Albena Vasilleva, 48, has been living on the road for 10 years with her husband and daughter.
The housekeeper said that the shooting happened right outside their doorstep.
She said: "I heard gunshots at about ten in the evening. At first I thought it was fireworks, but then I realised it was a gun. There were three or four shots.
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"At 10.35pm the police came and rang our doorbell to see if we captured anything on our camera, but it wasn't at the right angle.
"Which is very unfortunate because I wanted to help. They found evidence right in front of our house.
Horror as three teenagers including two 14-year-old boys are shot on quiet street - with gunman on the run
"I was alone when it happened because my husband was working the night shift, so I was really scared.
"It is very worrying. I have a 23-year-old daughter and I am scared for her having to come home alone.
"This was the first time I have seen anything like this around here. I saw four or five kids running away down the street.
"It wasn't until the police man rang that I really realised what had happened. I don't feel safe after this. I did before it happened.
'I thought it was fireworks'
RESIDENTS say a police cordon was in place at the scene along with yellow cones to mark evidence, all of which has since been removed.
Natasha Quinton, 39, has lived on the street for ten years with her husband and two daughters.
Originally from Croydon, the mum-of-two says she is used to these types of incidents - but hasn't experienced anything bad since moving to Orpington.
She said: "We heard gunshots around ten. I saw three boys running down the road.
"I was standing at the top of the stairs and I thought it was fireworks. The mum of one of the victims was out in the road crying.
"We realised someone had been shot but we didn't know how bad it had been.
"The victims were local boys. I have no idea why this happened to them. It is definitely worrying. It is a scary situation to be in.
"Nothing like this ever happens around here. I felt pretty safe before, there isn't usually trouble here.
"You expect stuff from youths but not gunshots. We were all at the windows looking out."
Youngest daughter Bethany, aged five, added that she feels safe - because of her pet American bulldog who she claims protects the family.
"I didn't worry before. I would leave home in the dark and come home in the dark without fear. But now I couldn't do that."
Another family who have lived right outside the scene of the incident for three years say they are nervous knowing the gunman is still out there.
Most of the family were asleep when the shots went off late last night but 13-year-old Aya Sahar says she was still awake to hear it.
She said: "I originally thought that it was fireworks. Our whole family did. We didn't think much of it.
"I heard that there was a group of people and that it was gang associated. It is really scary. It was literally right outside our house.
"In the morning there were lots of helicopters which is how I found out they were still looking for him.
"It makes me feel very nervous knowing that he is still out there."
However the family said that they have never felt safe in their road even before last night's shooting.
Aya added: "We have never felt safe here. This is the first time I have heard gunshots, but there are always fights here."
Detective Inspector Raymond Sekalongo said: "Tackling violent crime in London remains our absolute focus and reducing shootings is key to that.
"We understand that this incident will cause concern within the community.
"We want to reassure you that we are carrying out fast-time enquiries to ensure that any suspect is apprehended.
"I know that this may cause fear within the community.
"I will ensure that officers are present within the area to listen to any of your concerns.
"Please do approach them if you need to, they are there to support you."
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If you have any information call police on 101 stating reference CAD8033/07AUG.
To stay anonymous, call the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.