There has been an out-pouring of tributes online for Bermondsey man Kai McGinley, who was shot by ‘balaclava-clad’ attackers following a car chase in Erith.
There have been no arrests yet after the shocking attack last Thursday night (February 9) as police continue to establish what happened.
Witnesses have said that the 24-year-old was in a white Mini Clubman when he was rammed and surrounded by a masked gang on Pembroke Road, at around 8.50pm. He believed to have made it 15 metres to a nearby driveway on Hillside, but despite paramedics and police being on the scene within minutes he was unable to be saved.
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Leading the murder-hunt Detective Chief Inspector Chris Wood said: ‘At this early stage I am very keen to hear from anyone who has any information about the events that took place in Pembroke Road, and in particular anyone that has any knowledge of a silver Land Rover Freelander GL52 HDO which was abandoned by the suspects following the murder.
‘I believe that another vehicle or vehicles, that we haven’t yet identified, were then used to drive the suspects away from the scene. At least one of these vehicles is likely to be showing signs of front-end collision damage.
‘If you have noticed a recently damaged vehicle, owned by a friend or family member, seen one parked up or abandoned, or indeed been asked to repair one, please get in touch.”
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An aspiring rapper, music channel Wise Monkeys Media, where Kai had appeared in videos, wrote: “Rest in peace bro. Just spoke to you on Tuesday, you’re meant to come shoot your freestyle next week.”
The channel’s founder Ope added: “Just got the news, can’t believe this bro.”
Musician Scrap Jones wrote: “Rest in peace my bro, I can’t believe this.”
Among of a host of other tributes across all social media channels a friend wrote: “I loved you like a brother and looked out for me like a sister, always there no matter what, one of the only friends that’s looked after me while in here. We used to laugh till we cried, just heartbroken I hadn’t been there for you the last year. You was the biggest hearted person I knew, so I know you’ll make the most perfect angel. See you later Kia love you.”
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DCI Wood said: “A young man’s life has been ended and a family is now struggling to come to terms with their sudden and terrible loss. Our thoughts are with them.
“I have a team of officers and staff working hard to establish what happened to Kai and why – If you saw what happened or have information that can help I need you to get in touch and share what you know.”
Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting reference 7135/09Feb.
To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111