City woman shot

A woman was shot in the chest after being caught in the crossfire of rival gangs at a controversial music awards ceremony.

The 24-year-old City worker was hit as gunmen exchanged shots outside the Barbican Exhibition Centre early today.

The woman was seriously injured although her condition was not believed to be life threatening.

She was described as a "completely innocent passer-by" who was just walking past after a night out with friends. Police said she was lucky to be alive.

At least seven shots were fired as fans streamed away from the Urban Music Awards.

The attack is the first time the City has witnessed a shoot-out involving Yardie-style gangsters.

The event had already prompted a furious row over the lyrics of two Jamaican reggae stars, Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel, who were originallynominated for awards. Both artists have released records about the murder of gays and lesbians and their nomination for best reggae act sparked outrage.

Their nominations were later withdrawn and neither singer attended last night's event. Police say they are investigating the possibility that the shooting was connected to a row inside the centre during the ceremony. Shots were

heard shortly after midnight near an exit in Beech Street close to the King's Head pub. Moments later police in a patrol car spotted three men in a car driving without lights. The officers gave chase and spotted a handgun being thrown from the window.

The car was forced to stop after a short chase when a firearms officers leapt in front of the vehicle causing it to swerve. One man tried to make a run for it but was quickly arrested.

One of the men was said to be wearing a bullet-proof vest. A gun was also recovered. Detectives from the City of London police are liaising with Scotland Yard's Operation-Trident unit which investigates gun and drugs crime in the black community.

Officers sealed off Chiswell Street, Beech Street and Silk Street as forensic experts scoured the area.

A police spokeswoman said: "It appears that the young woman was in the wrong place at the wrong time. The gunmen fired a number of rounds and she was shot in the chest."

She said the woman was under armed police guard in hospital.

A police source said: "We believe the woman was shot accidentally. She is seriously injured but she is extremely lucky to be alive."

A spokeswoman for the Barbican said the centre was rented out by a private promoter, Jordan Kensington of Invincible Radio, for last night's awards.

The awards ceremony was hosted by soul singer Beverly Knight and Gary Beadle, who plays Paul in EastEnders.