A notorious gangland boss linked to a drive-by shooting in Dalston that left a nine-year-old girl with life-changing injuries has been arrested in Turkey, authorities have confirmed.
Kemal Armagan, a senior figure in the ‘Hackney Bombers’ gang, was detained in the Turkish port city of Izmir, reportedly after hiding under a false identity for a decade. The arrest marks a significant development in the long-running turf war between rival Kurdish gangs in London.
The girl was shot while dining with her family at a restaurant on Kingsland High Street on the evening of May 29, 2024, when a gunman on a motorcycle opened fire. She was one of four people injured in the shooting, which police believe was part of an escalating feud between the Hackney Bombacilar (meaning “bombers” in Turkish) and the Tottenham Turks.
The child’s injuries were described as life-changing, and she continues to receive support along with her family from specially trained officers.
Arrest Tied to Multiple Murders
Armagan is also suspected of involvement in the murder of rival gang boss Izzet Eren, 41, who was gunned down outside a café in Chisinau, Moldova last summer. Eren was a senior figure in the Tottenham Turks syndicate and his killing is believed to have been a retaliatory hit amid a tit-for-tat murder spree between the two gangs.
Armagan is already wanted for two other murders, and could also face extradition for the 2009 killing of Ahmet Paytak, a 50-year-old north London shopkeeper who was shot dead inside Euro Food and Wines on Hornsey Road.
Authorities in Turkey confirmed the 43-year-old suspect – identified in local reports only as “KA” – had been living under a false identity for the past ten years. He is expected to face prosecution in Turkey, but extradition proceedings may follow.
Ongoing Investigation in London
While Armagan’s arrest marks a breakthrough, Metropolitan Police detectives are continuing their investigation into the Dalston shooting. A man was charged in August with four counts of attempted murder, while three other men – aged 36, 35 and 28 – were arrested last month for conspiracy to murder. They have since been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dalloway, leading the investigation, said:
“A little girl’s life was traumatically changed on the evening of Wednesday, May 29. The dangerous individual responsible for those life-changing injuries remains on our streets, and people out there know who pulled the trigger.”
Police continue to appeal for information, particularly relating to a Ducati Monster motorcycle seen in the area at the time of the attack.
“We recognise people may be apprehensive about sharing information but it is imperative they do so. They do not need to speak directly to the police,” DCI Dalloway added.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Met Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.
The Metropolitan Police and Interpol have said they are working closely with Turkish authorities, but no further comment has been issued at this stage.
