Man killed and two others rushed to major trauma centres after ‘gang chase with tomahawk axe’

A man has been killed and three others were injured after a gang allegedly wielded a tomahawk axe and brandished bottles during a brutal attack in west London.

Nash Clyne, 33, originally from Grenada, was fatally wounded in the incident which occurred on Birkbeck Road in Acton in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Witnesses described seeing a group of four people chasing victims through the area, with one attacker “swinging a tomahawk axe” while others brandished broken bottles.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the attack, which left at least three other people with serious injuries – including two who were rushed to major trauma centres.

A 24-year-old witness told Metro: “I looked out and there was a man swinging and running after a middle aged guy. He had an injury above his eyebrow. Others chasing him had bottles. They were really going for him.”

The incident occurred around 4am on Sunday when police and paramedics were called to Birkbeck Road.

Despite emergency services’ efforts, Clyne died shortly after they arrived at the scene.

The witness, who called police during the attack, added: “It was so violent I saw another man injured as well. It all seemed to be connected with the barbers.”

The violence appears to have been connected to a birthday party at one of the local barber shops.

“There was a birthday party at the barbers. Something happened and it all kicked off,” a witness told the Metro.

The same witness described Clyne as a respected figure in the community, saying: “The guy who died wasn’t young, he was an older guy seen like a father figure in the community. People look up to him.”

None of the other victims’ injuries are believed to be life-threatening, though police enquiries are ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation and my team of experienced detectives is working at pace to establish why Nash was murdered and bring those responsible to justice,” DCI Howie said.

He urged anyone who was in the area to come forward with information.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was at Front Line Cuts or Paradise Cuts barber shops on Acton High Street between 10pm Saturday and 4:30am Sunday.

“What you know, however insignificant it may seem now, could hold the key to this investigation,” DCI Howie added.

A large crime scene remains in place on Birkbeck Road, with multiple road closures affecting local residents and businesses.

Police have acknowledged the impact of these closures but emphasised they are essential for securing evidence.

A significant police presence continues in the area as officers conduct their investigation.

The Met Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call 101, quoting reference 1132/08DEC.

Alternatively, witnesses can provide information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The nature and cause of the injuries, including the identification of weapons used, remains a key focus of the ongoing investigation.