Erith shooting: Kai McGinley named as murder victim

Police were called to Pembroke Road on Thursday evening after gunshots were heard

Those involved in the fatal shooting of a 24-year-old man in south-east London may have used getaway cars, murder detectives believe.

Police were called to Pembroke Road in Erith at about 20:50 GMT on Thursday after reports of shots being fired.

The victim, Kai McGinley, was found with a gunshot wound and later died.

Officers investigating the killing believe one or more vehicles were used to drive the offenders away, with one likely to have collision damage.

Det Ch Insp Chris Wood has urged people to help the Met Police.

"If you have noticed a recently damaged vehicle owned by a friend or family member, seen one parked up or abandoned, or indeed been asked to repair one, please get in touch," he said.

"I have a team of officers and staff working hard to establish what happened to Kai and why - if you saw what happened, or have information that can help, I need you to get in touch and share what you know."

Police specifically want information about a silver Land Rover Freelander (GL52 HDO) left abandoned at the scene.

One resident of Pembroke Road said: "Nothing like this has ever happened"

Local residents have described their horror about the shooting of Mr McGinley, who was from Southwark.

Debbie Burton, a grandmother and former schoolteacher who lives on Pembroke Road, said: "It's just sad, and worrying. Nothing like this has ever happened in Erith while I've lived here, and I've been living on this street for 26 years."

Another local woman, who has recently moved into the area, said: "Erith feels very safe, I never would have thought that anything like this would happen here."

No arrests have been made.

Det Ch Insp Wood added: "A young man's life has been ended and a family is now struggling to come to terms with their sudden and terrible loss. Our thoughts are with them today."

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