Police have launched a murder investigation after a 55-year-old man was shot dead in London.

Officers were called at 9.35pm on Friday 19 December to reports of a shooting in West End Close, Brent.

Emergency first aid was given to a 55-year-old man, who died at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim at this incredibly difficult time.

“Enquiries are well under way, and my team is working at pace to determine the circumstances that led to this man’s tragic death.

“There’s no doubt this incident will cause concern in the local community and more widely, but we have increased patrols in the area. I’d like to reassure the public that our investigation remains a priority.

“I would urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information, including dashcam footage, that will assist us with our enquiries to contact us at the earliest opportunity.

“We also believe there was a large group of people congregated nearby at the time the incident happened, and we are keen to hear from them.”

At the early stage of the investigation, no arrests have been made.

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Police have announced a £20,000 reward in the hunt for the killers of a man in north London in March.

Mahad Abdi Mohamed, 27, died after being shot in the head in Waverley Road, Tottenham at 8.45pm on 20 March, the Metropolitan Police said.

The Met, which announced the reward from the independent charity Crimestoppers, said officers believed the shooting was a case of mistaken identity.

Police now want to speak to two people in connection with the incident.

DCI Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said: “There is someone out there who knows what happened that night, and we are urging those individuals to find it in their heart to come forward. It could be exactly what we need to locate those responsible.”

A targeted attack

Police believe the suspects, who got out of a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander, which was later recovered burned out, were taking part in a targeted attack.

On the night of the murder, Mahad had spent the early evening with his friend at their home.

They were breaking their fast outside when the Mitsubishi Outlander approached and the suspects opened fire, striking Mahad and his friend multiple times.

Mahad’s 26-year-old friend received treatment for a gunshot wound to his leg.

The force suspects another stolen vehicle, a blue Jaguar, was used to transport the suspects to and from the Mitsubishi.

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Police arrested four adult men in March and April on suspicion of murder, who were subsequently bailed.

The investigation so far has led officers to believe whoever killed Mahad set out to hurt someone else in a pre-planned, targeted attack.

Appealing to the public for information, Mahad’s youngest sister said: “To stay silent is to be complicit. To stay silent is to let a grieving mother suffer in confusion. To stay silent is to let a little boy grow up not knowing what happened to his father.”

The reward, which is offered for information that leads to the identification, arrest and prosecution of those responsible, is available for three months and is due to expire on 20 March 2026.

Ferry passengers getting home for Christmas from Dover face delays of up to one hour after French border controls were hit by IT issues.

The border began experiencing technology issues before peak traffic arrival on Saturday morning.

Port of Dover Travel said in a post on X, at 9.21am, that there were still ongoing issues which were resulting in delays. It later confirmed delays were still ongoing at 12.02pm.

The organisation, which has not since issued an update, also urged passengers not to arrive more than two hours before their ferry leaves.

The Port of Dover estimates nearly 30,000 cars will board for outward journeys during the festive period, with traffic peaking between 6am and 1pm from Friday to Sunday.

It is also forecast to be the busiest year on record for the Christmas getaway in the UK.

P&O Ferries, which operates some of the ships from the port, said there are large queues on the approach roads and in the buffer area.

But once through passengers will face a smooth journey with no check-in delays, it added.

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The Port of Dover added in the post: “We also ask that all port-bound traffic remain on the main roads to the port, the A20 and A2, and keep the local roads clear for the community.

“If customers do miss their scheduled sailing due to the wait times, their ferry operator will place them on the next available crossing.”

Simon Jones, an AA expert patrol, said: “It’s beginning to look a lot like traffic. Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time. Patience will be your best present this year.”