A business managed by a man fatally shot in Stoke Newington has been ordered to close by police. The victim, identified as Erdal Ozmen, was gunned down as he was locking up the establishment, which had been operating for just two weeks. The closure order aims to prevent further nuisance or disorder, amid concerns the shooting may be linked to gang activity in the area.
Key takeaways
- Erdal Ozmen, the victim, was shot while closing his new business.
- The business has been cordoned off by police tape.
- A closure order has been issued for the premises.
- Concerns exist about potential links to gang violence.
- Ozmen was reportedly associated with the Hackney Bombers.
Fatal shooting and business closure
Erdal Ozmen was killed in the early hours of August 5th at the junction of Stoke Newington High Street and Dynevor Road. He was reportedly shot as he was closing the coffee shop or Kurdish social club he had been running for two weeks. The entrance to the business, an unmarked black door located behind ‘Good Pizza’, has been cordoned off with police tape and a police car has been stationed outside since the incident.
A closure order has been placed on the door, effective from 2pm on August 11th until 2pm on August 13th. Entry without permission during this period could result in legal consequences. This measure has been implemented to "prevent nuisance or disorder from continuing," with authorities concerned about potential connections to local gangs.
Alleged gang links and investigation
Reports suggest that Erdal Ozmen was associated with the Hackney Bombers, an organised crime group reportedly in conflict with rivals, the Tottenham Turks. Ozmen had previously been jailed for attempted murder at the age of 25 and was linked by the BBC to the Bombacilar gang, known for extorting businesses in the UK.
Police were called to the scene shortly after midnight on August 5th following reports of gunfire. Paramedics found Mr Ozmen on the pavement, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His family, reportedly from the Kurdish community, has been informed and is receiving support from specialist officers. This incident marks the sixth fatal shooting in London this year.
Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, leading the investigation, appealed for witnesses, describing Ozmen as a "father-of-one" who was "deeply loved by his family." He urged anyone who was in the Dynevor Road area late on the night of the shooting to come forward with any information, no matter how small, that might assist the investigation.
Community reaction
Eyewitnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots around midnight or 12:30 am, waking them from their sleep. One resident described seeing a police officer performing CPR on the victim. Tributes left at the scene included messages calling for an end to the violence, expressing sorrow for the families affected, and urging for unity within the community. One message, translated from Turkish, read: "Aren’t we all people of the same society? Shouldn’t we have unity and solidarity? Isn’t it a shame for the mothers and fathers who cry behind us? Enough is enough."
Sources
- Stoke Newington murder: Business run by victim of fatal Hackney shooting forced to close by police, London Evening Standard.
- Stoke Newington shooting: Erdal Ozmen business closure order, Hackney Gazette.
