Man dead, woman hospitalized after park shooting in north London

A man has been shot dead and a woman in her 40s is in hospital after a shooting in Clissold Park, Stoke Newington, north London, police said Wednesday night. Police and paramedics were called to the park at about 19:00 BST, where both victims were found with gunshot wounds. The man was pronounced dead at hospital.

The woman continues to receive hospital treatment, but her condition is unknown. The firearm has been recovered and a crime scene remains in place. Det Supt Oliver Richter said: "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." He added: "We understand this is a deeply distressing incident for those involved, the witnesses in the park and the community in the surrounding area."

Investigators are trying to contact the relatives of those involved. Hackney Council said the park would remain closed on Thursday morning and that it was "supporting the police with their investigations".

Police say they are examining evidence at the scene and talking to witnesses. There have been no confirmed arrests, and the investigation is in its early stages. The incident has prompted a police response across the area and raised questions about safety in public spaces, though authorities stressed there is no known wider threat to the public at this time.

Clissold Park is a popular green space in Hackney, and the closure drew concern from nearby residents and visitors. Council officials said staff were coordinating with police and offering support to visitors and park users affected by the incident.