A man was shot dead on his doorstep in north London in a suspected case of “mistaken identity”, police have said.
The victim, 27, was shot in Haringey on Monday night and pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to the head.
Police and paramedics were called to the scene at around 8.20pm. Officers said they believe the victim was shot after opening the door to his home in Wiltshire Gardens to two attackers wearing dark clothing and motorcycle helmets.
No arrests had been made by Tuesday evening but a police cordon remained in place. Police have been given special temporary powers to search people in Haringey due to the high risk of violence.
Officers appealed for anyone with information or people who may have dash-cam footage of the killing to help with their investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge, said: “This was a cowardly attack on an innocent man who was shot dead on his own doorstep. Although at an early stage of the investigation, I strongly suspect that he was not the intended target of this attack; making this case all the more tragic.
“It would have still been light when the shooting took place and I’m hoping there are people out there who saw something who we’ve not yet spoken to. Did you see a moped arrive or leaving the scene? Did you see it travelling along Finsbury Park Avenue or any of the streets nearby? Are you a driver with dashcam footage of the moped leading up to or after the incident? Any information passed to us will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”
Officers said the man’s next of kin have been informed and a post-mortem is scheduled for Thursday.
Detective Chief Superintendent Treena Fleming, Commander of the Met’s North Area Command Unit, said: “This is a harrowing incident and our immediate thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this devastating time. An experienced and dedicated team of detectives are doing all they can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.
“I know that members of the community will naturally be very concerned and shocked. Whilst incidents of this nature are rare, that doesn’t detract from the impact this will have had; and I want to reassure local residents that we will continue to work closely with community leaders, key stakeholders and the local authority to update them and provide reassurance.
“It is at times like this that communities need to come together and support each other. In the meantime residents will see an increased number of officers patrolling in the area to offer reassurance.
“Please approach these officers and relay any concerns you have or pass on any information which could assist us in helping to keep you safe.”
Anyone who has any information about the attack is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300, or call 101 quoting CAD 7506/18May, tweet @Met CC or contact Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously, via 0800 555 111.