A TEEN who was shot dead outside of his home in broad daylight has been named by locals.
Lathaniel, 16, of Stockwell, south west London, was described as ‘popular’ and a “very nice boy” who got “wrapped up in the wrong crowd” by residents in the area who knew him.
The youngster, who grew up on the Studley Estate, was gunned down on Paradise Road at around 2.30pm on Tuesday (March 4) and died at the scene, with cops quickly launching a murder probe.
A local, who asked not to be named, told The Sun: “He was a very nice boy, he’s got himself into trouble here and there but he was really nice.
“Everyone around here knew him, he was a sweet guy but he got wrapped up in the wrong crowd.
“He’s friends with a lot of people here, a lot of us knew him since he was a kid.
“I’m shocked – my friend just told me and it’s a shock, I knew him so long since he was little. The fact that it happened to one of our kids – it’s devastating.
“And to do it on our estate – it used to be bad and it got better but now this has happened.”
Shopkeeper Aftab Khan, 18, who also knew Lathaniel, told The Sun: “He’s a very nice guy. I saw him [on Monday], he came in to buy a drink. He’s a very good guy.
“He lives in that building behind the shop, it was just him and his mum. I’m shocked – he’d come in and he’d never ask for change back.”
Officers quickly cordoned off Paradise Road after the shooting, as forensics gathered evidence from the murder scene.
At one point, locals were seen furiously clashing with police after the cordon blocked entry to residents homes, as a heavy police presence continued around the area late into the night.
Forensics were seen scouring the escalators at Stockwell Station, where they used torches to inspect handrails and steps.
One resident said “I live here but I didn’t hear anything going on – but obviously it’s scary to go outside now.”
Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who is leading the local policing response, said: “This is an enormously shocking incident which I imagine will cause huge distress to the local community.
“Our thoughts are with the young boy’s family at this devastating time.
“Local officers are on the scene gathering CCTV and speaking to witnesses to piece together what has happened.
“They will be supported by specialist homicide investigators shortly.
“Please rest assured we will work around the clock to identify and find those responsible.”
The Met have not yet made any arrests, and the gunman remains at large.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London said: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Stockwell following the shocking fatal shooting of a 16-year-old boy.
“This abhorrent violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am in close contact with police leaders – an investigation is underway to find those responsible and local residents will see increased patrols in the local area.
“I urge anyone with information to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. There is no honour in staying silent.”
