Sasha Johnson: Black Lives Matter activist critical after shooting, party says

Prominent Black Lives Matter activist Sasha Johnson is critically ill after being shot in the head, her party says.

The Taking the Initiative Party said she was being treated in intensive care after being "brutally attacked" in the early hours of Sunday. 

The group said the attack, which happened in Peckham, south London, followed "numerous death threats".

Police have not confirmed her identity but said at this stage there was no evidence the attack was targeted.

Officers said the 27-year-old woman was taken to a south London hospital with life-threatening injuries and have appealed for witnesses. 

Police said at this stage there was no evidence to suggest she had received any credible threats against her.

Imarn Ayton, a friend of Ms Johnson's, told the BBC doctors had carried out surgery on her fellow activist which had gone well and she was "now with her parents".

She said Ms Johnson had been at a party or gathering when she was injured but she did not believe "she was the intended victim".

"As far as I am aware… this incident is more related to rival gangs as opposed to her activism," Ms Ayton said.

Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command have been investigating at the scene and the surrounding area and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry. 

It is believed the shooting happened near a house where a party was taking place and a number of people may have been in the area, a Met Police statement said.