Murder inquiry as man shot dead

Craig Brown was from the Shepherd's Bush area

Police have named a man shot dead in a street in west London as he returned from a Christmas shopping trip.

Craig Brown, 20, was found by police and London Ambulance Service in Loftus Road, Shepherd's Bush, after being shot at 1650 GMT on Christmas Eve.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by the ambulance service.

The Metropolitan Police spokesman said the attackers shot the man as he unloaded his car, before making off on foot towards Queens Park Rangers FC.

He said: "At this early stage we believe the deceased had returned from a shopping trip and had just parked his car in Loftus Road.

"While we await formal identification, next of kin have been informed and we are confident the deceased is Craig Brown from Shepherd's Bush."

A post-mortem examination will take place at Fulham Mortuary on Friday.

The police confirmed that the shooting was being investigated by Operation Trident; a police team dedicated to tackling gun crime within the black community.

They are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone with any information to call 020 8733 4704.