Shoot-out in West End club

Controversial pop group So Solid Crew ran for cover as gunmen opened fire while they performed at a West End nightclub today.

Two men were shot at close range in the violence which erupted at the Astoria in Charing Cross Road in the early hours. One, a 22 year-old black man, was hit in the top of his leg as he stood near the dance floor. He is critically ill and is undergoing emergency surgery, but has lost a lot of blood and could lose the limb. A second man, aged 28, was in the toilet when he was shot, also in the leg, but his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Both victims are under police guard in hospital.

Police recovered a 9mm Beretta handgun from the Astoria after the shootings. Forensic experts are examining the weapon but it is unclear whether it was used in the shooting or was dropped as police arrived.

Hundreds of clubbers, at the club to celebrate the 21st birthday of one of the garage group's members, fled as shots rang out. A witness said: "There was the sound of gunfire and everyone either hit the deck or started running for the door - it was frightening."

Detectives, who believe the shootings were Yardie linked, are investigating whether they are connected to an attack in the early hours of yesterday, when a black man in his twenties was found with gunshot wounds in Golden Square, near the Astoria. He was dead by the time he reached hospital.

This morning, a side entrance to the Astoria in Sutton Row, with blood-soaked paper and surgical gloves lying on the ground, was cordoned off. Posters advertising last night's "Romeo's Birthday Bash" - a party for Crew member MC Romeo - were still on display.

In a statement, the south London MOBO-award winning group of rapper MCs, DJs and producers, said: "So Solid Crew very much regret the violence that broke out at the birthday party show at the Astoria last night, but want to make it clear that they abhor violence and have made it clear on their record that they want the violence to stop.

"They were not in any way involved in last night?s disturbance."

The management of the Astoria declined to comment. The shooting is the latest incident in the atmosphere of violence which has dogged the group?s rise to fame. Earlier this year, Crew member Neutrino was shot in the leg during a fracas outside a nightclub.

In August, Crew member Ashley Walters, 19, appeared at the Old Bailey charged with possessing a gun and making threats to kill.

Last month, singer Darren Weir provoked outrage by escaping a prison sentence after admitting breaking the jaw of a 16-year-old girl fan.

So Solid Crew, who reached number one with 21 Seconds To Go, are aged between 18 and 26 and grew up in Clapham. They won prizes for Best Garage Act and Best Newcomer at the MOBO awards last month.

Map of the area