Estate in fear after shots at balcony in Tufnell Park
Frightened residents have urged authorities to make their estate gang-free after shots were fired through a communal area.
People living in Hollins and McCall houses in Tufnell Park Road, Tufnell Park, say teenagers have been firing weapons, openly dealing drugs and partying to the early hours.
Police say the shooting occurred over the Diamond Jubilee weekend, with a bullet smashing the window of a communal stairwell – nearly two years after a similar incident.
Lib Dem Cllr Tracy Ismail said: “Two years ago shots were fired at a resident’s car and now this happens.
“Are we waiting for someone to be killed before this situation is taken seriously?”
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A gang of youths reportedly congregate regularly near an astro pitch.
Katherine McInerney, chairman of the tenants and residents association, said: “This has frightened and demoralised people who no longer want to let their children out.
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“Residents don’t want to live here anymore.
“We want a safe environment and to claim back our estate from the gang.”
Islington Council installed CCTV cameras on the estate but residents say it has not improved the situation.
One said: “To evade the cameras, the gangs simply moved inside the buildings.
“I am shocked to hear the news of another shooting and how easily that bullet might have actually killed someone.”
Cllr Paul Convery, Islington Council’s executive member for community safety, said it will identify the troublemakers, use antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos) and possibly evict them.
He continued: “This was a very shocking incident. We simply cannot allow this situation to continue.”
Islington’s Safer Neighbourhood Insp Clare Messer said: “Shots were believed to be fired at a balcony. Casings have been found and will be subject to forensic tests. We have no suspects at this stage but our investigations are ongoing.”
She said the St George’s neighbourhood team works closely with the residents association and patrols the estate regularly. Anyone with information can call them on 020 8721 2664 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
