A young man was shot dead in the head on his doorstep in north London in a suspected case of mistaken identity.
The 27-year-old, whose identity has not yet been released, was found with a gunshot wound to his head outside his home in Wiltshire Gardens, Haringey. Armed officers were called to the scene after reports of shots being fired just after 8.20pm on Monday.
Emergency services pronounced the victim dead at the scene. Detectives believe he was shot after opening the door to two attackers, wearing dark clothing and motorcycle helmets, who then fled on a moped.
No arrests have been made and detectives are appealing for information. The victim’s family has been told and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Scotland Yard’s DCI 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,’ he said.
‘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.’
Cordons remained in place at the scene on Tuesday afternoon, while a Section 60 order – which gives officers extra stop and search powers – has been extended.
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.’
Anyone with information is urged to call police on 020 8358 0300, or 101 quoting CAD 7506/18May, tweet @Met CC or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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