A number of floral tributes have been left at the scene of the fatal shooting that rocked Stoke Newington on Tuesday (August 5). Notes and bouquets were attached to a post in Dynevor Road this morning, with police removing an extensive cordon two days after Erdal Ozmen was gunned down.
One heart wrenching message, translated from Turkish, said the 45-year-old will “always live on in our memories”. Described by detectives as “deeply loved”, a murder investigation into the father-of-one’s death has so far seen no arrests.
A single police car now guards the door of a building directly opposite the growing memorial, where lilies and peonies replace a forensic tent. Officers were called to the junction with Stoke Newington High Street just before 12.20am to reports of a shooting and a man injured.
Witnesses say the first responding officer administered CPR ‘for 30 minutes’ before paramedics pronounced Mr Ozmen dead at the scene. Others reported hearing ‘two or three shots’ before shouting, screaming and sirens broke out seconds later.
The motive for the shock murder remains unclear, according to a recent statement issued by the Metropolitan Police. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, who is leading the investigation, added: “Were you in the Dynevor Road area late on Monday night into early Tuesday morning? Did you see anyone acting out of the ordinary?
“Did you hear anything at all which perhaps seemed unusual – maybe people shouting, or a loud vehicle? The smallest piece of information could play a significant role in our investigation.”
Life in the affluent neighbourhood has since returned to it’s normal pace, with business owners gaining access to their formerly taped off shops and restaurants. One resident, a man named Jimmy, told MyLondon crime in East London no longer fazes him.
He said: “It’s normal for Hackney. I’m not even from here originally and that’s all I’ve ever heard.”
Liza Dodds, a support worker whose home faces the scene of the shooting, shared this sentiment, believing the general public is not at risk. “It’s very strange because it’s so nice here. I mean, these houses cost a million pounds…,” she mused, “But this is still Hackney. It’s never ending.
“It has got nothing to do with the community that lives here.”
However, for others, the shooting has left a lasting impression. One woman, who chose to stay anonymous, recalled seeing Mr Ozmen’s body when she heard a commotion outside.
Her front door is just metres from where he lost his life. She said: “I can’t stop thinking about it. I’m in shock, I’m still in shock
“My son and I live here and we had plans at the time it happened as we have a dog, we were going to take him for a walk. We could have been out there – we were close.”
“I know the police are around but I just feel unsafe. I have to keep telling myself “I’m okay, I’m okay””.
Mr Ozmen’s death marks the sixth fatal shooting in London so far this year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact 101, quoting CAD 108/5AUG. Anyonymous reports can also be made to Crimestoppers via 0800 555 111.
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