Motorcycle murderer leaves man dead after ride-by shooting in Croydon

Police say the attacker opened fire on two men in a Volkswagen during a fatal shooting near Croydon town centre on Friday

The fatal shooting took place in Wellesley Road, Croydon. (Google Street View)

A motorcycle murderer blasted a man in the head and left him for dead during a ride-by shooting in southwest London, according to the Metropolitan Police.

The attacker opened fire on two men in a Volkswagen on Wellesley Road, Croydon, leaving the passenger with a fatal gunshot wound to the head at around 10pm on Friday.

The car driver, who suffered minor injuries, rushed the 24-year-old victim to a south London hospital, but he was declared dead within minutes.

Detectives believe a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger pulled up alongside the car before shots were fired.

They have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for information about the incident as enquiries continue.

The victim is yet to be identified.

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “Croydon town centre is usually very busy on a Friday night and detectives are appealing for anyone in the area who witnessed the shooting or the events leading up to the incident to contact them.

“No arrests have been made and enquires continue.

“Local road closures are in place and members of the public are advised to avoid the area to enable police to conduct a full examination of the crime scene.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4054. Alternatively contact police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the www.crimestoppers-uk.org website.