Two men were shot dead and a third critically injured in a midnight drive-by shooting in East London.

A man in a “joker” mask was seen fleeing the scene – smashing his way through garden fences near the murder house.

Armed police were called to a Victorian terraced house in Henly Road in Ilford shortly after midnight after reports of men fighting and shots being fired.

Three men were found with gunshot wounds.

One died at the scene, and another died shortly afterwards in hospital.

The third victim is said to be “critically injured”.

The gunman is on the run.

It’s thought the fireworks at a Diwali celebration helped masked the fatal shots.

One neighbour told The Telegraph:

“A man wearing all black and a black Joker mask with a plastic nose was running through the neighbouring gardens just after the shooting.

“My son aged nine was watching the fireworks and then saw a man wearing all black clothing with a joker mask run through the garden.

“He broke the fence of the next-door garden and was running across the extensions.”

Police forensic teams were taking pictures of two mobile phones dropped by the fleeing suspect.

Scotland Yard said they know the identity one victim in his 20s and work was ongoing to find the other victim’s name.

A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “At this early stage there have been no arrests.

“Inquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

“Crime scenes and road closures are in place.”

Courier Alex Raducu, 33, who has lives in the Henley Road area said:

“I thought it just was fireworks…It was crazy,

“I then heard a helicopter flying around above me.

“It was there for 10 or 15 minutes.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said:

“It is tragic that two men have died this morning and a third is critically injured following reports of a fight in Ilford overnight.

“Violent crime destroys lives and damages communities, leaving loved ones heartbroken.

“My thoughts are with the victims’ families at this time.

“The Met’s investigation is ongoing.

“I’m urging members of the public with information to call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 to help the Met Police bring those responsible to justice.

“There is no honour in staying silent.”