Man arrested over London church shooting

A man has been arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting outside a London church that left a seven-year-old girl fighting for her life.

The shooting occurred as a memorial service was taking place inside St Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in the Somers Town area of London, near Euston station.

The service was being held for 50-year-old Fresia Calderon and her 20-year-old daughter, Sara Sanchez, who died within weeks of each other at the end of 2022. 

Calderon died in November of a suspected blood clot after a flight to London from Colombia. Sanchez passed away a few weeks later from terminal leukaemia.

Hundreds of mourners had gathered for their funeral and were releasing doves outside the church when a gunman opened fire from a black Toyota C-HR at about 1.30pm on Saturday before driving off.

The injured seven-year-old girl is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Four women and another girl also injured in the attack are expected to make a full recovery.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of attempted murder after the car he was in was stopped by police in the Barnet area of north London.

The man has not been named by police.

Scotland Yard is appealing for anyone with information about the attack to come forward. 

Police have not commented on a motive but a possible connection with Colombian gang activity has been suggested in media reports.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Pastor Greg Locke's 20-year-old son dies from drug overdose
Pastor Greg Locke's 20-year-old son dies from drug overdose

Greg Locke, pastor of Global Vision Bible Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, announced Friday that his 20-year-old son, Evan Roberts Locke, has died.

Understanding the reasons for the conviction of Päivi Räsänen
Understanding the reasons for the conviction of Päivi Räsänen

In Finland cultural, or in this case, legal power is being used to shut down scientific discussion. 

Young Christians engaging with Bible more, survey finds
Young Christians engaging with Bible more, survey finds

A new report reveals surprising levels of Bible engagement among young people aged 15–30.

Päivi Räsänen to appeal to ECHR after conviction over biblical pamphlet
Päivi Räsänen to appeal to ECHR after conviction over biblical pamphlet

Räsänen's case has been ongoing for years now.