A man has died and a woman hospitalised after a shooting in a London park.

The Metropolitan Police said it responded to reports of a shooting in Clissold Park in Hackney at around 7pm on Wednesday.

Authorities said a man in his 40s was pronounced dead at hospital despite attempts to treat gunshot wounds.

Police have said they are working to identify his next of kin.

Paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance also treated a woman in her 40s.

According to authorities, as of Wednesday evening she remains in hospital and an update on her condition is yet to be given.

The force added that a firearm "believed to be involved in the incident" has been recovered at the scene.

It is understood that there were witnesses to the shooting in the park at the time.

A man in his 40s had died in the shooting incident

Detective Superintendent Oliver Richter, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: "We understand this is a deeply distressing incident for those involved, the witnesses in the park and the community in the surrounding area.

"We are in the early stages of the investigation, but we believe the man and woman are known to one another and at this time, we are treating it as an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.

"Officers are working at pace to establish the full circumstances of the incident and will continue to support those who are affected.

"A crime scene remains in place for investigation with an increased police presence."

On social media, Hackney Council said it was "supporting the police with their investigations".

It added: "Clissold Park will remain closed tomorrow morning, when we will provide an update on its reopening."