Man dies after gunmen open fire on Brixton 'barbecue party' - as police launch murder probe and urgent hunt for shooters

By ELIZABETH HAIGH, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 09:16, 5 May 2026 | Updated: 09:27, 5 May 2026 A man has died after gunmen opened fire at a barbecue party in Brixton. Eyewitnesses described how gunshots were fired from a car in the early hours of Saturday morning. Keanu Taylor, 25, was rushed to hospital along with three others following the shooting, which took place shortly after 1am on Coldharbour Lane, outside the Southwyck House estate. Mr Taylor was initially described as being in a life-threatening condition, but has since died. Police have launched a murder investigation and are continuing an urgent hunt for the shooters. Three people aged 21, 47 and 70 have been assessed as having injuries that are not life threatening or life changing. No arrests have yet been made in the case, the Met Police has said.  Estate resident Robert, 40, said the area was filled with people at a barbecue before the shooting. Officers maintained a large cordon on the south London street on Saturday, following the shooting in the early hours of the morning Police were called just after 1am on Saturday to reports of gunshots fired from a car Pointing at a grassy area outside the estate, he added: 'That slice of grass and the concrete is just packed at night, especially on a sunny night, in summer, like absolutely packed with people.' Officers were first called to the estate at 1.14am on Saturday after they received reports gunshots had been fired.  They arrived within four minutes and gave first aid alongside paramedics. Following the gunshots, some of those fleeing the scene took refuge in a nearby supermarket. Moh John, 45, who works at Payless Food & Wine, told how 'scared' people rushed into his shop, prompting him to lock the door behind them. Mr John said police had collected the supermarket's CCTV footage of the incident.  Police maintained a large cordon on Saturday stretching up to the turning into Gresham Road. A foil blanket, a bicycle, bags and litter were strewn across the area as police inspected it on Saturday Investigators wearing blue overalls, masks and gloves inspect the scene on Coldharbour Lane in Brixton, south London Police officers and forensic officers in blue overalls, masks and gloves inspected debris on the road. Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said: 'As we work quickly to identify those responsible, our thoughts are with Keanu's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. 'This was a shocking act of violence which has had a devastating impact on those involved and the local community. I want to reassure residents that we are working urgently to identify and apprehend those responsible. 'It is vital that anyone who saw what happened, or has any information or footage, comes forward. Even the smallest detail could prove crucial to our investigation. 'Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. If you have any concerns, please speak to officers.' Anyone with information or footage of the incident are asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 557/2May. They can also provide information anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. This is a breaking news story and is being updated.  No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account. We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy.