Young boy caught in high street shooting flees horror in east London

THIS is the terrifying moment a boy flees the scene of a suspected gang shooting on an east London high street.

CCTV footage appears to show the child turning and running as he hears gunshots in broad daylight during a busy shopping parade in Mungo Park Road, Rainham, at 4pm on Saturday.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of possession of a firearm. He remains detained at a police station in east London, police said.

Shoppers walk by as a man in a baseball cap turns the corner and walks past a group of three people.

One of the group turns around and speaks to his associates who, in turn, set off in pursuit of the lone man.

The child, who is walking alone, suddenly finds himself in the middle of the shooting.

He turns and runs as the suspected shooter pulls a gun from a bag and sprints toward the intended target.

The intended target quickly gets into a getaway car as the shooter approaches the window and one of his friends chases him.

A Metropolitan spokeswoman said no injuries or damage had been reported to the force.

She added: “The incident involved a young man pointing what appeared to be a firearm at passing cars.

“Officers carried out local inquiries and CCTV cameras in the area were examined.”

“No guns or firearms were found. Investigations continue.

Anyone with information regarding this incident who has not yet spoken to police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 4343/15MAY. To remain 100% anonymous, call the independent charity Crimestoppers or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.