Mitcham residents ‘shocked’ after man in 20s killed in shooting

Residents in a quiet leafy neighbourhood have expressed shock at the killing of a man who was shot dead in the early hours of this morning.

A murder investigation is underway following the death of the man who was in his 20s in Mitcham.

Police were called at around 2.30am this morning to reports of a man found injured in Croydon Road, near the junction with Beddington Lane, suffering from a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital for treatment but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died there a short time later.

Nearby residents were shocked there had been a shooting in the area.

One woman who did not wish to be named said: “They were really shot? That’s terrible”

Many residents were also concerned about the victim’s age.

Another woman who lived close to the scene said: “This is very very sad. Especially if it was a young man.”

A crime scene remains in place. There were two cars parked opposite one another next to where a blue was erected and forensics officers were investigating, as well as a folded e-scooter that was being photographed.

The victim had been found on a section of Croydon Road where there was no pavement, next to a golf course, 10 minutes away from any residential houses.

At this stage no arrests have been made and enquiries into the circumstances continue. Enquiries are ongoing to inform next of kin. 

A statement from the Met said: “Detectives are appealing to anyone who was in and around the Croydon Road/Beddington Lane area last night and saw anything suspicious to get in contact.

“Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command investigate.

“They are also keen to speak to any road users with dash cam to check their footage to see if anything of interest has been captured.

“Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD616/4Apr. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Pictured top: The crime scene on Croydon Road (Picture: Claudia Lee)