Boy, 16, died from shot to neck

The victim was allegedly chased by youths wearing bandanas

A 16-year-old boy chased and gunned down by a gang of youths on bikes died from a single gunshot wound to the neck, it has been revealed.

Between five and seven youths are believed to be behind the attack at the Stockwell Gardens Estate in Stockwell, in the early hours of Thursday.

Detectives believe two firearms may have been used in the murder.

Police are awaiting formal identification before releasing the boy's identity.

He was pronounced dead at the scene after he was found outside Cassell House on the south London estate.

The Met's Operation Trident team, which investigates gun crime in the black community, is heading the inquiry.

Det Insp Geoff Whitehouse said: "Initial reports suggest that the victim was running away from a number of youths on bicycles prior to being shot.

Residents say the estate has seen a rise in violence in recent years

"Witnesses have described the suspects as wearing bandanas in an attempt to conceal their faces.

"The suspects, who we now believe to have been carrying two firearms, then made off into the alleyway next to Packington House."

Mr Whitehouse added that police have not ruled out the killing being gang-related.

The car park outside Cassell House has been cordoned off while officers conduct a fingertip search of the area.

'Very intimidating'

Local residents have said the estate has seen a rise in violence in recent years.

Francis Gonzalez said: "There is a problem in this area with a big group of teenagers who hang around outside and in the stairwell smoking and causing trouble.

"It's very intimidating and can be frightening. When I go shopping, I normally go with two or three people."

Another resident, Nasima Khatun, said of the trouble on the estate: "We are scared. We have told the council about it so many times but there's nothing they can do."