A man shot dead on his doorstep in a gangland-style execution was a ‘victim of mistaken identity’, police believe.
The 27-year-old victim was shot in the head from point-blank range by two men wearing “dark clothing and motorcycle helmets” when he answered his door in north London last night.
Detectives branded the attack “cowardly” and are appealing for witnesses.
While they continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident, they believe the victim, who has not been named, was killed in a case of mistaken identity.
Police were called just after 8.20pm to an address in Wiltshire Gardens, Finsbury Park, following reports that shots had been fired and a man hurt.
Both armed and local officers attended the scene along with paramedics and found the victim suffering from a gunshot wound to his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The gunmen sped off on a moped, heading towards Finsbury Park Avenue.
There have been no arrests.
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.”
He added: “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.”
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."
Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call the incident room on 020 8358 0300.
