Teenage boys shot in McDonald's restaurant

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

The two, who are friends and believed to be 17 years old, were taken to hospital after the shooting in Brixton, south London, last evening.

One was hit in the chest and is in a critical condition. The other, who was shot in the arm was described by police as stable.

The attacker fled on foot from the restaurant down a nearby street.

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 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.'' REUTERS LL DS1245