Man shot in front of children

A man was shot in the head in front of his family after challenging a group of men who damaged his newly-painted car outside his house.

Douglas Mullings, 41, was shot at close range during the row in Tottenham.

His partner Jennifer cradled him and screamed for help as his seven-year-old son Eric and a daughter watched in horror. Mr Mullings was today critically ill at the Royal Free Hospital. It is believed one of the men, who were described as black and in their late teens and early twenties, walked up to Mr Mullings and shot him once before speeding off in a red Rover on Sunday afternoon. Witnesses said the gunman was short and was wearing a dark hooded top.

One neighbour, who asked to be named only as Suzanne, said: "I heard this arguing from across the road and it seemed something was going to kick off. I didn't go over because I didn't want to get involved. But when I looked out, Douglas seemed to be arguing with some men. The dispute was about a car - I think they had been trying to get into his car.

"The next thing I heard was a loud bang and knew immediately it was a gunshot. Then I heard Jennifer screaming out for help but I was too scared to go outside.

"I phoned the police immediately. I thought it best to do that rather than go over there because I didn't know whether the man who shot him was still there. I was terrified to go outside." Another neighbour, Ann Moi, 40, described Mr Mullings as "a really nice guy".

She added: "There was some kind of argument over a car. It was quite heated and then a gun went off. We are all devastated."

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Basu said: "The victim is of previous good character and has never been in trouble with the police.

"We believe the incident started over a local dispute, which clearly escalated into this tragedy. So far, we have had a good response from the community. However, we still need more information."

Mr Mullings was unemployed after an accident at work left him with a disabled hand. His house on Meridian Walk was today cordoned off by police.

Police also want to hear from anyone who saw the Rover or a metallic silver Mercedes in the area between 1pm and 1.30pm.

Anyone with information should call 020 8733 4704 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.