Update: 16-year-old boy accused of shooting a mother dead as she tried to shield her children from gangsters appears in court charged with murder

A boy of 16 accused of shooting a mother will stand trial at the Old Bailey. 

The youth allegedly killed Lianne Gordon, 42, and injured a man, 20, and a 16-year-old boy after opening fire in Hackney, East London, last Tuesday.

He is charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder, possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life, and possessing crack cocaine and heroin with intent to supply.

The teenager, who cannot be named, appeared briefly at Barkingside Youth Court this morning.

He spoke only to confirm his name and address but did not enter a plea.

District Judge Susan Holdham told him: ‘This is a matter that can only be tried at the crown court, so I’m sending you to stand trial at the Central Criminal Court.’

He was remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Last week, Ms Gordon was described as a ‘beautiful soul’ who had devoted her life to teaching children and caring for her disabled son.

The two male victims, who suffered gunshot wounds, were taken to hospital and later discharged.