Westminster Murder Appeal Renewed

The police are renewing their appeals for information and witnesses after a murder in Westminster.

Police were called out at a quarter past midnight on Saturday 22 May to reports of a man shot in Harrow Road, near the junction with Sutherland Avenue, W9.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended the scene and discovered a man suffering a gunshot wound. He was treated at the scene but died soon after.

The victim is Daniel Omari Smith, 22, an electrician from the Paddington area. He lived with his mother and two sisters.

Now, the family of Daniel Omari Smith has issued their first statement since the death of the 22-year-old, who was shot in the early hours of Saturday 22 May in Paddington.

Their statement reads: "The tragic loss of our beloved Daniel has devastated and disorganised the foundations of our lives.

"It is a void so deep and empty our family can never be the same again. What a special, hard working, caring and loving person he was. Snatched away from us in such a sad and untimely manner.

"Our bewilderment and shock leaves us wondering how to make sense of the immeasurable loss. Our family, friends and community speak as one voice, unequivocally, that Daniel's demise was mindless, motiveless and an evil cowardice act. He was a good citizen of his community who loved life.

"We now pray that God's justice takes its course, and be brought to bear against the perpetrators."

Detective Chief Inspector John Crossley, of the Metropolitan Police's Trident team, leading the investigation, reiterated his appeals to members of the public for information.

"As the investigation has progressed, we believe this is a case of mistaken identity. Daniel was a hard-working young family man, who was an innocent victim of gun crime.

"We know there were members of the public present in the area and would strongly urge to come forward to speak to us. We really need the community's help to find the perpetrator/s and get justice for Daniel's family."

Anyone with information that may assist the inquiry should call the incident room at West Hendon on 020 8733 4704. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

(BMcC/GK)