On the evening of September 17, 2025, Clissold Park in Stoke Newington, north London, became the scene of a harrowing and tragic event. As families and locals enjoyed the late summer air, gunshots suddenly rang out near the Green Lanes entrance, shattering the calm and sending shockwaves through the community. What followed was a swift emergency response, a large-scale police investigation, and a city left grappling with the aftermath of a rare act of violence in one of its beloved green spaces.
According to the BBC, emergency services were called shortly after 7pm BST. When police and paramedics arrived, they found a man and a woman, both in their 40s, suffering from gunshot wounds. The woman had been shot in the torso, while the man was also seriously injured. Despite the best efforts of the London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance, the man was pronounced dead later that evening at the hospital. The woman was rushed to a major trauma center, where she received treatment for her injuries.
Initial confusion quickly gave way to clarity as police pieced together the sequence of events. Witnesses described a scene of chaos and terror. One shopkeeper, who saw the incident unfold, told MyLondon, “I saw a man run up to a woman and he shot her then shot himself. I was sat outside the shop at the time and it happened right in front of me. Everyone went into panic mode.”
The Metropolitan Police soon confirmed that the man, identified as the suspect in the shooting, and the woman were known to each other. Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, stated, “We understand this is a deeply distressing incident for those involved, the witnesses in the park and the community in the surrounding area. We are in the early stages of the investigation, but we believe the man and woman are known to one another and at this time, we are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.”
Forensic officers worked through the night, combing the grass and pathways of Clissold Park for evidence. A blue forensic tent was erected near the Green Lanes entrance, and a large police cordon sealed off the area. The firearm believed to have been used in the incident was safely recovered at the scene, the police confirmed. Specialist officers were assigned to support the woman and her family as the investigation progressed.
As news of the shooting spread, local authorities moved quickly to reassure the public. Hackney Council announced it was “supporting the police with their investigations,” and that its enforcement officers would be conducting visible patrols in the area in the days following the incident. Susan Fajana-Thomas, Cabinet Member for Community Safety & Regulatory, expressed her condolences, saying, “Very sad, and my heart is with the families impacted by this tragic incident.” Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley echoed these sentiments, posting on social media, “Such a terrible event. Thank you so much to the emergency services for the swift response. I hope the woman and all those affected have all the support they need – I will be following up to make sure.”
In the hours and days after the shooting, Clissold Park remained closed to the public as police and forensic teams gathered evidence. Green Lanes, a busy road bordering the park, was partially reopened, though some adjacent shops and roads remained cordoned off. Public transport in the area was diverted, with bus routes 141 and 341 rerouted to avoid the ongoing investigation. By the afternoon of September 18, the park was reopened, but the impact of the previous night’s events lingered in the minds of residents and parkgoers.
The woman who was injured in the shooting was discharged from hospital after treatment. Police confirmed that her injuries were neither life-threatening nor life-changing, and she continues to be supported by specialist officers. The man, described as being in his 40s and identified by police as the suspect, died from his injuries in hospital later that evening. Efforts to contact his next of kin were underway as the investigation continued.
Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Ireland, leading the investigation, acknowledged the shock and distress felt by the community. “We recognise the shock and distress this incident will have caused anyone present in Clissold Park yesterday evening, as well as the local community in and around Stoke Newington. Our thoughts remain with the victim and their family, and we continue to support them as this investigation progresses.” She emphasized that the investigation was in its early stages and urged anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward with information, stating, “We know there were several witnesses on the scene yesterday who are yet to come forward with information. We urge anyone who was at the scene and may be able to help us to reach out.”
The Metropolitan Police reiterated that the shooting was being treated as an isolated incident, with no wider risk to the public. Officers continued to work at pace to establish the full circumstances, supported by Hackney Council and the council’s CCTV team. Increased police presence and extra patrols in the area were implemented to provide reassurance to local residents.
For many in Stoke Newington and the wider Hackney area, the shooting was a rare and deeply unsettling event. Clissold Park, bounded by Greenway Close, Church Street, Green Lanes, and Queen Elizabeth’s Walk, is a cherished community space, known for its open fields, family-friendly atmosphere, and historical significance. The events of September 17, 2025, have left a mark on the community, but the swift response of emergency services, the support provided to those affected, and the ongoing police investigation have helped to restore a sense of safety and order.
As the investigation continues, police are appealing for anyone with information about the incident to come forward by calling 101 and quoting reference CAD 6102/17SEP. The hope is that, with the community’s help, the full story of what happened in Clissold Park that evening will come to light, bringing closure to those affected and reaffirming the resilience of the local community.
In the meantime, Clissold Park has reopened, and life in Stoke Newington slowly returns to normal, though the memory of that September evening will not soon be forgotten.
