Tube gang in shoot-out

A gang of teenagers brought terror to a London station after opening fire on a platform.

One bullet slammed into a wall inches from the unarmed officer's head and three frightened teenagers waiting for a train dived to the ground.

Detectives are examining CCTV footage in a bid to identify the gang of 10 youths who escaped, leaving behind weapons including iron bars and baseball bats.

The incident happened at Willesden Junction station. This is the third gun attack on unarmed officers in the capital in two months. A police dog handler in his forties was carrying out a routine patrol of stations along the Silverlink Metro line when he spotted the gang on the platform "obviously up to no good". When he walked over to confront the youths, thought to be aged between 15 and 20, they ran off. As he gave chase they fired at least three shots. A bullet was found to have hit a wall near where the officer was standing.

Police were today still working at the scene of Saturday night's shooting. Superintendent Peter Davies of British Transport Police said the officer was "really shaken up", adding: "His words to me were: 'They were trying to shoot me.' "

Anyone with information should contact BTP on 0800 405 040.