A man was targeted in a drive-by shooting by a moped rider yards from children leaving a nearby nursery, according to witnesses. 

Police were called to Silver Birch Avenue at the junction with Rowan Avenue, Chingford, yesterday (March 19) following a report from a member of the public that gunfire had been heard on Chingford Hall estate. 

Detectives from Trident Gang Command are investigating after finding some bullet casings at the scene. 

According to witnesses, a 21-year-old man was walking by the shops in Burnside Avenue when a man on a white moped opened fire at him. 

The incident occured just yards from Chingford Hall Primary Academy in Burnside Avenue. 

A 42-year-old family member of the victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said there were children by the shops when the gunman opened fire. 

She said: "It was simply a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. 

"The gunman was on a white moped. He shot at him twice and he ducked out of the way. 

"He then circled around and shot once more before driving off. 

"It was random, he walks alone and is not involved in gangs or drugs. I have no reason why anyone would want to hurt him.

"It was obviously intended to send some kind of message.  

"There is no protection for anoyone around here. It is so surreal, it saddens me." 

Ali Gok, owner of Food 4 All off-licence, was working at the time. 

He said: "I heard two shots. I went outside and saw a man, he was panicking and looked like he was trying to hide.

"I knew straight away it was gun shots. It was very scary and I'm suprised it happened so close to the school. We need more CCTV around here. However, I would say it is better around here than before."

Ivan Gultekin, 35, has lived on the estate for 10 years but believes the safety of residents has improved. 

"Before, you couldn't walk along when the tower block were here without fear of getting robbed. Now it's OK. I feel safe.

"If you keep to yourself, you should be OK. However, saying that I'm not suprised by what happened yesterday. The guy on the bike didn't care that he was shooting at someone next to a school".  

Silver Birch Avenue was cordoned off at the junction with Rowan Avenue and Burnside Avenue for around three hours. 

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 101 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.