A man gunned down outside his luxury London home on Christmas Eve was with his wife and child when he was shot, police have revealed.
The 36-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, was shot multiple times, at around 9pm in front of his family.
A neighbour who heard the gunshots raced out to try and save the young father, but he died at the scene in Battersea Church Road, south London.
Police say he had been out for the evening with his wife and child before returning to his £1.5m home, where he was killed.
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Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Stevenson, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation is in the very early stages and we are still working to establish what the motive could be that has led to a man losing his life in such a horrific way, on Christmas Eve, in front of his family.
“They have been devastated by this horrible event and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We know that the victim was returning home with his wife and young child following an evening out, when he was shot just yards from his home. The assailant then fled on foot in the direction of Battersea Bridge Road.
“The attack took place at 9pm. Not only would many people have been out going about their business, but I am sure many residents would have been alarmed by the sound of the disturbance and gone to see what had happened.
“Did you see a person fleeing the area? Where did they go, and what did they look like? Had you noticed anyone loitering in the area beforehand? We need any information you can give us – please contact us via 101 immediately and quote CAD 6410/24Dec. You will be spoken to in the strictest of confidence.”
Superintendent Richard Smith added: “My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in such tragic circumstances on Christmas Eve.
"Local officers are on duty across the bank holiday and are working closely with homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, to understand what happened and bring those responsible to justice.
"There is no suggestion that there is any ongoing risk to members of the local community in Battersea. Please do contact us if you have any concerns or information relating to this incident."
There have been no arrests. Formal identification and a post mortem are yet to take place.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.
