A teenager has told how she was shot by a gunman who fired into a crowd of revellers at a London nightclub.
Ra Ra Makaveli was celebrating her 18th birthday at Crystals in Wembley on the night before New Year’s Eve and was standing next to the man believed to have been the intended target. Ms Makaveli had been with friends when the shooting happened at about 4am.
As the shots rang out, she fled into the street, not realising she had been hit.
The bullet entered her leg and went through her buttocks and groin before exiting from her thigh.
She was at home today recovering from her wounds after surgery at hospital on New Year’s Day.
Ms Makaveli said: “There was a big flash and people started running out. Everyone was trying to squeeze through one door and stepping over each other. I ran out with them not realising I had been shot but collapsed when I got outside and when I lifted my dress I saw a big hole in my leg.
“I was initially told I had been hit by a firework but when I got to the hospital the police told me I had been shot.
“I was in a lot of pain but I didn’t cry until the news was broken to me that I had been shot. I am lucky to be alive. Who would believe someone could go out for their birthday and be shot?”
In a scene Ms Makaveli described as being “out of a Western”, the gunman doggedly pursued his target outside the club. “I’m amazed no one else was hit,” she said.
Ms Makaveli added: “I have never been to Crystals before and I was really looking forward to it. I had my new outfit, hair and shoes and it was supposed to be a fun night.
“If people have a beef with each other they need to take it outside. Not involve other people. This will stay with me forever. I’m having nightmares and trouble sleeping but know I am lucky to be here and able to say what happened.”
Two other women needed treatment for injuries caused by falling glass.
Detectives in Brent believe the gunman fled in a vehicle.
The Met obtained a closure notice on Crystals so it could not reopen on New Year’s Eve. Its owner has agreed to keep the venue closed until later this month.
Three men, aged 24, 27 and 33, were arrested on suspicion of GBH and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and later bailed.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8733 4774.
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