Monday 4pm: Armed police are hunting for a gunman after three people at the travellers’ site in Oxney Road were shot this morning.
Detectives are now searching for the attacker who left two victims with serious shotgun injuries and a third with minor shotgun injuries.
All three remain in hospital, two in a critical condition and one who is said to be stable.
It is thought the shooter may have driven to and from the site.
Detective Inspector Dave Grierson, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “The exact details of this incident remain unclear, however we believe those responsible for this shooting may have used a vehicle to travel to and from the site.
“I would urge anyone who saw any suspicious activity in Oxney Road, close to the site, to contact police.
“At this stage we are treating this as an isolated incident and enquiries are continuing to trace those responsible.”
The ambulance service sent two ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and the hazardous area response team.
Meanwhile the air ambulance and Magpas Helimedix team were also dispatched and one man was airlifted to hospital.
A spokeswoman for Magpas said one man suffered serious abdomen and thigh injuries, the second man endured injuries to his left arm and back and the third man suffered injuries to his left leg.
A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) said: “We received a 999 call shortly after 10am and we dispatched several ambulance resources including our hazardous area response team (HART), a senior officer, a clinical officer, rapid response car and two ambulances to the scene.”
“Three men were treated at the scene for ballistic type injuries, two of which are deemed serious. They were all taken to hospital for further care.”
Both entrances to the travellers’ site have been taped off, meaning cars are parking on grass verges in Oxney Road near to the entrance.
Witnesses reported seeing dozens of officers around the site earlier this morning.
