Police say they are hunting a lone, hooded gunman who shot dead a young man while he was out with relatives near a busy high street.
The victim, named locally as Yasir, was helped by shocked passers-by until scores of police arrived at around 5.20pm on Thursday.
On Friday evening, detectives said it was believed the victim had been approached by a lone male in Palmerston Road, Kilburn, when he was shot dead.
The wounded man then made his way to Netherwood Street where he collapsed in front of a takeaway.
He was later pronounced dead at the scene, despite a 20-minute battle by paramedics on the roadside to save his life.
Meanwhile, the gunman, described as wearing jeans and a hooded top, fled towards Palmerston Road and the Webheath Estate.
The victim’s friend Bruno Tampo, 22, told the Standard: “He got stabbed last year. He’d just recovered from that and I think he’d just moved in to a new place.
“When I found out he’d been shot I crumbled.
“Yasir had such a good heart. It’s crazy what happened to him. He was a good friend.”
Police have now stepped up patrols in the area and appealed for more people to come forward who may hold clues vital to tracking down the killer.
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Partridge said: "We have had a positive initial response from the local community and a number of witnesses have already come forward.
"We know the area was extremely busy at the time of the shooting. I am convinced that other members of the public have either seen the incident itself, or have seen the suspect arrive at the scene or flee after the shooting.”
He said: "If you saw or heard anything please do contact our incident room. Any information provided to us will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
"Detectives investigating the murder are continuing to work alongside local officers and remain at the scene, so the community will see an increased police presence in the local area.
"Some of these officers will be carrying out reassurance patrols. They are happy to talk to any community members who wish to speak to police about concerns following this shocking incident."
Anyone with information should call police on 020 8358 0300 or the police non-emergency line on 101. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
