Passer-by shot on London street

A woman is in hospital with serious injuries today after being hit by a stray bullet on a south London street.

The woman was hit in the stomach by a single shot near two men involved in what is believed to be a drug-related argument in Tulse Hill last night.

As she passed the men in Brailsford Road police said she suddenly heard a loud crack and realised she had been shot. She went to a nearby house and was taken to hospital. Her condition is said to be serious but stable.

The Yard's Detective Chief Superintendent Barry Phillips said: "This was a completely innocent woman going about her daily life who was hit by a stray bullet from an argument that did not involve her."

The victim described the two men as black, wearing dark clothing and about 5ft 10in tall. They ran off towards Effra Road. Police want information about a group of men seen near the Two Woodcocks pub when the shot was fired at 8.30pm.

It comes after police revealed that shootings involving black gangs in London are running at two a day. In the first 15 days of the year police recorded 25 shootings and a double murder.

Anyone with information on the latest shooting should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.