Balham man ‘brutally’ gunned down on his doorstep by masked shooters named by police

A Balham man who was ‘brutally’ gunned down and left to die on his doorstep by masked shooters has been named by police.

27-year-old Matthias Poleon was fatally shot in the chest last Thursday as he left his home in Bedford Hill, near the junction with Ritherdon Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin, leading the investigation, said: “Matthias was leaving his home address when he was set upon without warning by at two suspects wearing face masks who fired at him and and then fled the scene in a silver hatchback vehicle – possibly a Peugeot, or a VW Golf – in the direction of Balham town centre.

“I implore anyone who saw a suspicious vehicle in the area around of the time of the incident to contact us.

“Matthias was horrifically and brutally shot at his front door and left to die in the doorway.

“His friends and members of the public came to his aid in a bid to save his life, but his injuries were too great.

“The people responsible for this needless loss of life are violent criminals and must be apprehended.

“If you have dash cam footage, doorbell footage, or saw anything that you think might assist police, you must tell us; the slightest piece of information could prove crucial in helping us catch two dangerous offenders who have access to a firearm.

“Matthias family are at the beginning of an incredible ordeal.

“Think of their grieving, think of their suffering, and please do the right thing and tell police what you know.”

Police were called at approximately 10.50pm on June 17, to reports of a man suffering gunshot injuries in Bedford Hill.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and Matthias was taken to hospital for treatment; despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead at 11.36pm.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Saturday, June 19, gave a cause of Matthias’ death as a gunshot-wound to the chest.

Matthias’ family continued to be supported by specialist officers.

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing and there have been no arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 02087858244 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD8915/17June.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.