Man guns down children in street

A gunman with an assault rifle got out of a vehicle and shot dead a young child, a teenager and a man in Los Angeles before the car sped away.

The victims, believed to be a boy of seven, a 17-year-old boy, and a 20 year old, died at the scene yesterday, assistant police Chief George Gascon said.

Another boy, who appeared to be between 12 and 14, was in hospital in a critical, but stable condition, with a gunshot wound.

Investigators were trying to determine whether there was a link between the victims and the gunman, Gascon said. Three of the victims were related.

Police initially said the shooting appeared to be gang-related, but later said they could not confirm that.

A city councillor announced a £41,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the gunman.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said he was angered to learn that two young children were targeted.

“This is an absolute tragedy and one we cannot accept,” he said.