Police have launched a murder investigation after a 40-year-old man was shot dead as people gathered for a memorial service in west London.

Officers were called to the scene in East Acton just before 7.50pm on Friday, after members of the public reported hearing shots fired, the Metropolitan Police said.

The force added that around 40 to 50 people were at the scene – including children – when the incident occurred at the junction of Braybrook Street and Erconwald Street, having gathered for a memorial service.

No arrests have been made and a police cordon remains in place in Braybrook Street.

Police attended the incident alongside the London Ambulance Service, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the “best efforts” of medical staff.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of a man whose life was taken in a senseless act of violence.

“We understand a large number of people had gathered for a memorial service and what should have been a time to come together in remembrance has instead left a family devastated.

“We believe between 40 and 50 people, including children, were present when this incident occurred.

“Someone knows what happened and we need them to come forward.

“If you were around Erconwald Street, Braybrook Street, the surrounding roads or Wormwood Scrubs playground between 6pm and 8pm, please think carefully about what you saw.

“Did you see anyone carrying or concealing weapons, people on bicycles acting suspiciously, or vehicles being driven at speed?

“We also want to hear from anyone with photographs, video, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage or who has seen anything relevant on social media.

“However insignificant it may seem, the smallest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us establish what happened and identify those responsible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting reference CAD 7011/2Oct.