Teenage boys shot in Brixton McDonald's

LONDON, Sep 29 (Reuters) Police are appealing for witnesses after two teenage boys were shot in front of families and young children at a packed McDonald's restaurant in Brixton, south London.

The two, who are friends and believed to be 17 years old, were taken to hospital after the shooting yesterday evening.

Police today said both were in a stable condition. One was hit in the chest and the other in the arm.

The attacker fled on foot down a nearby street.

A McDonald's spokeswoman said the two victims had not been queuing for food at the time of the attack and that CCTV footage showed they had been ''popping in and out'' of the restaurant.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Operation Trident team, which tackles gun crime amongst London's black communities, are investigating the assault.

''The venue was very busy at the time of the shooting and those present -- including families with young children -- were shocked and terrified by this violent attack,'' said Detective Constable Luis Martinez.

''We have only a brief description of the gunman at present -- he was black and approx 6ft 1 inch tall -- but if anyone saw the incident or the suspect making off, we need to hear from you.

''It is believed the weapon was a handgun.'' Lee Jasper, chairman of the Trident Independent Advisory Group, said the incident was not typical but the shooting was a ''big cause for concern''.

''Obviously communities are in a state of shock about this incident,'' he said.

''Many children in the Lambeth community use that McDonalds, and many parents will be saying today 'there but for the grace of God go I.''' Police said there would be extra high-visibility patrols in the area this weekend.

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