A 21-YEAR-OLD barmaid says she is scared walking home from work after two shootings in Brockley in just four days.

Laura Marks, who works at The Brockley Barge in Brockley Road, said: “I’ve felt the area’s getting really bad for a while now. It’s always young people. It was bad before but it’s getting a lot worse.

“I’m scared. I don’t finish work until late and I have to walk home.”

Miss Marks, of Aspinall Road, added: “I don’t really blame the police but there needs to be more police in the area.”

Green Party councillor for Brockley, Darren Johnson, said: “The last thing residents want is for Brockley to be the site of some sort of gang turf war.

“There are real concerns among residents.

“We obviously need a visible police presence but long term we need to begin tackling youth violence.

“The way to do that is to ensure young people have more activities so they are not drawn in to a life of crime out of boredom. We also need to make sure there are job opportunities.”

Shots were fired in Foxberry Road at around 2.45pm on April 13.

Police officers later found an 18-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “I heard two shots then a gap then four shots. The first two shots made me look out of my window.

“I saw a black van with slide doors come along.The shooter was running beside the van and then jumped in.”

Speaking about the victim, the 50-year-old added: “I ran with his mum and he had gone in the coffee shop.

“The bullet grazed his left side. He was very lucky.”

The teenager was taken to a south London hospital but was later discharged.

He appeared at Greenwich Magistrates' Court on April 15 charged with possessing a bladed article and has been remanded in custody to appear tomorrow (April 22).

Another youth was shot outside the Tickle Me Caribbean and bagel shop in Brockley Cross at around 2.50pm on April 9.

The 20-year-old was released from hospital after being shot in his left arm.

Following the incident, Cameron D'Aguiar, of Malpas Road, was charged with possession of an offensive weapon with intent to endanger life.

The 21-year-old was also charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possessing ammunition.

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday (April 19) and remanded in custody until June 2.

Four other men have been arrested in connection with the incident and are on police bail until next month (May).

Officers from the Met Police’s Trident unit, which investigates gun crime in London’s black community, are dealing with the incidents.

The head of the Met’s partnership command, Superintendent Lisa Crook, said: “We understand the community is anxious about recent incidents of violence in Brockley and share these concerns.

“Our officers take this very seriously and are committed to putting a stop to violence on our streets. Officers from Trident are investigating these matters and urge anyone with information to contact them.

“Members of Brockley Safer Neighbourhoods team are patrolling the ward to reassure people, and if you need to discuss any concerns please contact the team.”

Anyone with information should call Trident on 020 8785 8580 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.