NEWS DESK

Operation Trident which tackles gun crime in the black community is once again appealling for witnesses for a murder of an 18 year old black male last night in Camberwell, following a shooting, with the suspects escaping using high powered mopeds.

The male yet to be identified was killed in a Costcutter grocery store in Camberwell on Wednesday, the 22nd teenager to die in a shooting or stabbing in the capital this year.

One arrest has already been made of an 19-year-old in connection with the attack.

An air ambulance was sent to the scene as police and paramedics tried to resuscitate the victim, who has not been named. He was pronounced dead less than an hour after the shooting.A post mortem examination and formal identification are due to take place later.

photo credit: flickr.com

UPDATE:

The police have confirmed the victim was an innocent bystander and that the shooting was not part of any gang reprisal.

"We believe we know the identity of the deceased and are trying to inform all next of kin.

A post-mortem will take place today at 3pm at Greenwich Mortuary. Formal identification will take place in due course."

Detective Superintendent Gary Richardson from Trident is appealing for information, he said: "We are keeping an open mind regarding the motive of this murder, however it appears at this stage that the victim has no links to gang activity and that he was an innocent bystander - caught up in the line of fire and was not the intended target.

"The victim was walking down Walworth Road with family members. As they entered Costcutters, two black men forced their way into the shop behind them as if they were trying to get away from something. As they did so, shots were fired.

"Up to five male suspects drove away on three mopeds in the direction of Boyson Road.

"I am appealing for anyone who was inside Costcutters or outside the shop at the time of the shooting to contact police.

"Did you see people cruising up and down the road on mopeds outside Costcutters shortly before the shooting?

"Did you see them pull up onto the pavement and park outside Costcutters and open fire?

"Did you see them leave?"

Anyone with information is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8247 4554 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident, he is currently in custody at a south London police station.