Attempted Shooting in London Corner Shop Involves Grapple Between Suspect and Target

A suspected shooting attempt occurred in a corner shop in Wood Green, north London, where the intended target, Ali Unlu, engaged in a physical struggle with the alleged gunman, Mustafa Bolat, 29. Bolat entered the convenience store and fired three shots at Unlu, who managed to redirect the gun away from himself during the confrontation. The incident, which took place in March 2026 and was captured on CCTV, resulted in fruit being scattered across the floor as the two men grappled. Both Bolat and Unlu, believed to be of Turkish heritage, did not cooperate with police, leaving the motive for the shooting unclear. Bolat later admitted to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear but was acquitted of attempted murder and other serious charges by an Old Bailey jury. He claimed his intention was to scare Unlu rather than to kill him. Bolat has a prior conviction for grievous bodily harm from a knife attack in 2017. He is currently remanded in custody, with sentencing scheduled for November 13, 2026.