THE 'DEVASTATED' mother of a black equal rights activist and Oxford graduate, has appealed for witnesses to her shooting to come forward.

Local campaigner Sasha Johnson, 27, remains in a critical condition in hospital after being shot in the head at a party in south London, in the early hours of Sunday, May 23.

Her mother, Ellet Dalling, released a statement through the Metropolitan Police that said: "What has happened to Sasha has left us devastated.

"My daughter is currently fighting for her life in hospital, with two children asking where their mummy is.

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"What do I tell them?

"Someone must have information to what happened and to come forward.

"Sasha is passionate about standing up for others; please come forward and stand up for Sasha.

"I know it is not always easy, but imagine if this was your daughter or the mother of your children."

The activist, a member of the Taking The Initiative Party, was in the back garden of a house in Consort Road, Peckham, when a group of men burst in and opened fire.

A man in his 20s also suffered a superficial knife wound as violence erupted.

Five men were arrested in connection with the incident at the end of May, and four of them were released on bail until a date in late June.

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The fifth man, Cameron Deriggs, 18, of Bromley Hill, Lewisham, has been charged with conspiracy to murder, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.

Detective Chief Inspector Richard Leonard said: "Sunday marked two weeks since Sasha Johnson was shot.

"Although we have made a number of arrests, I am continuing to appeal to anyone who is yet to come forward to please speak with officers.

"I would also urge those who were at the party to make contact and tell us what you know.

"It is vital that we gather as much information as possible to establish what happened in the early hours of that Sunday morning and why."

Anyone with information can call the police incident room on 020 8721 4843 quoting reference CAD 1172/23May, or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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