Enfield has suffered 388 reported gun crime offences since June 2022 – the highest among all of London’s boroughs, according to data from the Metropolitan Police.
In the year ending March 2026, Enfield recorded 109 gun crime offences, marking a modest 7% increase from previous year in which it topped the total number of offences, followed by Brent and Haringey.
Community leaders and police have linked the violence to gang criminality and drug-related activity, with hotspots in wards such as Edmonton Green and Upper Edmonton.
Notable incidents in Enfield include this month’s conviction of two 18-year-old drill rappers, Emmanuel Popoola and Tayvon Etefia, for the killing of Keanu Harker – who was shot in the head and chest whilst being chased on an e-bike last year.
The teenager was killed following a dispute on social media between rival street gangs in the Enfield area.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card led the investigation and said: “This is a tragic case that yet again demonstrates why our commitment to tackling serious violence is so important.
“Our painstaking investigation established that Keanu was murdered because his killers took offence to something that was said in a social media group chat.
“Rather than ignore the comments, Emmanuel Popoola armed himself with a pistol and, with the help of Tayvon Etefia, carried out a drive-by shooting.
“This was cowardly and disproportionate violence that has understandably shocked the community.”
In April, a man was also charged after 13 counterfeit Glock-style firearms, 13 extended magazines and 640 rounds of ammunition were discovered by officers.
Enfield Council’s Safer Strong Communities Board maintains its commitment to crack down on serious violence with the Met Police.
An Enfield Council spokesperson said: “Gun crime statistics cover a broad range of incidents and police activity involving firearms.
“This includes the recovery of weapons, reports of suspected firearms offences, the discovery of ammunition or spent casings, and incidents where firearms are discharged, whether or not injuries occur.
“It would be inaccurate to characterise gun crime in Enfield primarily as an issue involving young people.
“Analysis of firearm-related offences in the borough over recent years indicates that many incidents are linked to organised criminality and conflicts between organised crime groups.
“The Council and its partners continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police, community organisations and other agencies to tackle serious violence, disrupt organised criminal activity and help keep Enfield’s communities safe.”
The Met declined to comment.
Featured image credit: Timothy Dykes via Unsplash
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