Two masked gunmen turned up at a 17-year-old's birthday party and started shooting partygoers.

According to neighbours, two men riding a motorbike called at the house in Armistice Gardens at around 5pm on Monday.

Two shots were then heard followed by shouting and screaming.

Two 17-year-old boys were shot, one seriously injured.

Police said one of the boys was in a serious but stable condition while his companion was treated for relatively minor gun shot wounds to the leg and was expected to be discharged yesterday.

According to neighbours one of the boys, who lives in Armistice Gardens, was having a birthday party.

A neighbour, who said they were trying to move out of the road in the wake of the shooting, said: “It's getting really bad around here now.

“I have kids who were asleep just yards away from where these two boys were shot.”

Another resident, again who feared to be named in case of reprisals, said: “The boy that was shot was having a party to celebrate his birthday.

“They weren't being loud or making a nuisance of themselves they were just having a gathering.

“We were all indoors and then we heart a shot go of.

“Next thing we know there are armed police everywhere telling us to stay indoors.”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said:"Two male suspects made off from the scene on a motorcyle towards Penge Road.

Officers from Trident investigate. Anyone with information is asked to call Trident on 020 8785 8580 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.