British doctor visiting US killed by stray bullet while lying in bed

A 31-year-old doctor from Surrey who was visiting the US state of Georgia has been fatally shot while lying in bed in the middle of the night.

Dr Matthew Wilson died from a gunshot wound to the head after a bullet was fired into his apartment from a different building on Sunday, police in Brookhaven said.

Officers said Wilson did not appear to have been targeted deliberately, and that the weapon was discharged “recklessly” by a group of individuals next door.

Wilson was visiting loved ones in Brookhaven, Atlanta when the shooting took place.

Police said his death appeared to have been an accident, caused by someone from a neighbouring apartment building firing their gun by mistake.

11Alive News reported that the Brookhaven police had received a number of calls about shots being fired from an apartment complex in the 3600 block on Buford Highway in Brookhaven.

While the officers were investigating the area, another call informed them that a man had been shot in an apartment in the 3100 block on Clairmont Road.

Police said that when they reached the apartment, they found Wilson – from Chertsey, Surrey – with a single gunshot wound to his head. He was taken to a local hospital where he died from his injuries.

Police said it appears he was shot randomly. As of Friday, they say, no suspects have been arrested.

Police described the shooting as “a random act involving individuals participating in the reckless discharge of a firearm”.