A "quiet" 21-year-old father-of-one has died after he was shot in Battersea last night.

Police were called at 11.30pm, to Tennyson Street, and found the young man with a gunshot wound in the street.

Your Local Guardian:

A forensic officer in Tennyson Street

He was taken to a central London hospital where he died in the early hours of this morning.

It is believed the victim, named locally as Jamal, lived in the road and had a young daughter.

People called police after hearing a shot fired in the road. Blood was seen on the victim's doorstep this morning.

A police spokesman said: “Officers believe they know the identity of the deceased but await formal identification. Next of kin have been informed.

"Police retain an open mind as to any motive, and there has been no arrest at this very early stage.”

A post-mortem examination will take place tomorrow morning at St George's Hospital in Tooting.

A woman, who asked not be named, said: "I didn't hear any shots, nothing. All I saw was a police officer. 

"I didn't hear any gun shot or running or anything. I was trying to get my head down to sleep.

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"I would see him [the victim] to say hello and goodbye.

"He even walked me home one time because I was scared to walk home alone. That was a couple of months ago.

"He was a very nice, quiet person. He didn't harm anyone. I wonder why someone would shoot him."

The 21-year-old was found at the junction with Thackeray Road.

A man who asked not to be named said: "It is a really quiet street. It is sad, he was only 21. 

"He was so young. That's the saddest part of it. Imagine how his parents feel."

Another man, who gave his name as Paul, said: "I didn't hear anything. It is normally very quiet here. All you hear down here is the traffic now and again.

"I think I may have seen him [the victim] with his little girl but I never spoke to him.

"I'm terribly sorry. I hope they get who did it."

A children's play area in Montefiore Gardens has been cordoned off while police investigate the shooting.

Inspector James Ellis of Battersea Safer Neighbourhoods Team said: "Whilst the murder investigation is underway, Battersea ward officers are in and around Tennyson Street providing reassurance and presence to residents through increased high-visibility foot patrols.

"These patrols will take place throughout this weekend and we encourage residents to come forward and speak to officers should they have any concerns or information regarding the incident. 

Your Local Guardian:

The cordoned off playground

"Detectives from the Homicide and Serious Crime Directorate are offering support at the family of the deceased whilst  they establish the facts to help bring those who committed this crime before the courts.

"Whilst the inquiry team are undertaking a meticulous search of the area we are appealing to those who were present to come forward and help provide vital information.

"Wandsworth police are dedicated to doing all we can to support all of our communities; this commitment is never stronger than at difficult times such as these. We sincerely value the consistent help that we receive from the people of Wandsworth and our neighbouring communities." 

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating and an incident room has opened under DCI Charles King.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation should call the incident room on 020 8721 4205 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.