Teenage Gang Members Receive Lengthy Sentences for Violent Canning Town Attack
Four teenagers have been handed prison sentences totalling 78 years for what police describe as "a shocking act of violence" that saw two brothers chased and shot on an East London street. The brutal incident occurred in the early hours of October 26, 2024, in Thorne Close, Canning Town, leaving one victim with life-changing injuries.
Early Morning Attack Leaves Brothers Seriously Injured
The two brothers were walking their dog at approximately 2am when they were suddenly targeted by attackers who emerged from a stolen Audi vehicle. CCTV footage captured audio of seven gunshots being recklessly fired during the pursuit before the assailants fled the scene in their stolen car.
The older brother, aged 36, sustained a gunshot wound through his hand during the attack. His younger brother, 28, suffered a more serious injury when he was shot in the back, resulting in paralysis affecting one side of his lower body. Forensic evidence collected from the scene included five 9mm Makarov bullet casings and a discarded balaclava that contained DNA matching one of the attackers.
Police Investigation and Dramatic Arrests
Metropolitan Police detectives meticulously traced the stolen Audi through extensive CCTV analysis, ultimately identifying four individuals responsible for the violent assault. The perpetrators were identified as:
- Ronnie Hill, 18, of no fixed address
- Esmaela Seidi, 18, from Forest Gate, East London
- A 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons
- Kennedy Senga, 19, from Brentwood, Essex
The investigation revealed that the group had travelled from South Woodford to Canning Town specifically to carry out the attack, armed with knives and a loaded firearm. Police arrested and charged Senga, Seidi, and the teenage boy in December 2024, but Hill managed to evade capture for several months.
In March 2025, following an intensive manhunt, officers finally located Hill hiding beneath a divan bed at a friend's residence. During the arrest operation, police recovered a loaded handgun, an imitation firearm, and live ammunition from the property.
Court Proceedings and Substantial Sentences
After an eight-week trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court, the jury returned unanimous guilty verdicts on October 20, 2025. All four defendants appeared before the court again on January 23, 2026, where they received substantial prison sentences for their roles in the violent incident.
The sentences handed down were:
- Ronnie Hill received 24 years imprisonment after being convicted of two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life
- Esmaela Seidi was sentenced to 18 and a half years for two counts of attempted murder
- Kennedy Senga received 21 years for two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life
- The 16-year-old boy was sentenced to 14 and a half years for two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life
Additionally, a fifth individual, Abdul Ahmed, 21, from Southwark, received a two-and-a-half-year sentence for assisting an offender after helping Hill evade arrest, despite not being directly involved in the shooting itself.
Police Response and Community Impact
Detective Sergeant Ryan Findleton, who led the investigation, commented on the case, stating: "This was a shocking and targeted act of violence that left an innocent man with life-changing injuries. The sentences passed today reflect the tireless work of our officers to bring these dangerous individuals to justice."
He further emphasised the Metropolitan Police's commitment to tackling violent crime, adding: "Those who brandish weapons on our streets should be under no illusion that we will do everything in our power to ensure criminals who threaten the safety of Londoners face a lengthy time behind bars."
The detective sergeant also highlighted positive trends in crime reduction, noting that attempted murder charges for firearm offences have nearly doubled since 2023, with sentences typically ranging between 20 and 35 years. This development reflects the ongoing efforts of police officers and staff to suppress violence across London, contributing to fewer serious injuries and fatalities on the city's streets.
