A young man has been shot dead in Walthamstow during a suspected ambush attack.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Forest Road at around 9.30pm on Wednesday after reports shots had been fired in the area.

On arrival, they found a 20-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital, but was pronounced dead en route at 10.45pm.

Detectives believe the victim had been sat in a stationary vehicle when he was approached by several individuals, who opened fire.

Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed, although formal identification and a post mortem had yet to take place.

Scotland Yard has launched a murder investigation. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

DCI Andrew Packer, who is leading the probe on behalf of the Met’s Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "At this early stage, it is believed that the victim was in a stationary vehicle which was approached by a number of suspects before shots were fired.

"These shots have fatally wounded the victim and left his family and friends devastated. We are doing everything we can to find the culprits.

“I would urge all witnesses and those with information to contact police."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call the Met incident room on: 0208 345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.