Youth killed by motorcycle gunman

The teenager is the 17th to be murdered in London this year

A youth worker shot dead in the street was killed by a gunman on a motorbike who fired on a group, police said.

The victim, believed to be aged about 18, was found on Friday at 2210 BST on Marcus Garvey Way, near Brixton Tube station in south London.

A black man on a blue motorcycle rode up to a group of 11 or 12 youths and spoke to them before pulling out a gun and shooting at them, police said.

The number of teenagers murdered in London this year has now reached 17.

Police have not formally released the identity of the man who was killed.

But community youth worker Eddie Arno knew him.

He said: "He was a very intelligent, bright lad, had a really good future ahead of him.

"Very devoted to his family and to his work and it's a tragic thing that's happened to him.

"He didn't deserve what's happened to him at all."

'Tragic loss'

Police said they have been interviewing the many witnesses to the attack, and forensic scientists have been conducting scene examinations.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Sunday.

Det Ch Insp Adnan Qureshi said: "This is a tragic loss of another young life, and I would urge members of the community to assist us in bringing the person responsible to justice."

No-one else was injured in the shooting.

Last week, 16-year-old Abukar Mahamud was killed by a single bullet wound to the neck after apparently being chased by a gang of youths on bicycles in Stockwell, south London.

Other murders of teenagers this year have included the stabbing of Adam Regis, the 15-year-old nephew of Olympic sprinter John Regis, and the shooting of 15-year-old Michael Dosunmu, a regular churchgoer, which police believe was a case of mistaken identity.