Man in his 20s shot dead near Pentonville prison in London

Police in north London are investigating the fatal shooting in broad daylight of a man believed to be in his early 20s.

The Metropolitan police said officers and paramedics were called to Roman Way beside Pentonville prison in in Islington at 3.20pm on Saturday, where a man was suffering from gunshot injuries.

He was later pronounced dead at the scene and his next of kin have been informed. There have been no arrests and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

A resident said he witnessed part of the incident from his window. “I heard around seven shots, ran to the window, and a guy on a bike or moped rode off,” he told reporters.

“He was looking back. When I looked to the park, I could see a guy staggering then [he] fell. That was it then police came. They are taping the area now … No one’s allowed to leave.”

He added: “There’s always crime around here, the shooting is shocking, but not much of a surprise.”

The Met appealed for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident. “The public have a huge role in helping to both prevent and detect crime,” the force said.

“We need to hear from anyone who has information about this crime, or about someone they suspect to be carrying a weapon or involved in organised crime.”

The Met said it was too early to say whether the shooting was linked to Pentonville, which is one of the country’s oldest and busiest jails housing a men’s prison and a young offender institution.

Emily Thornberry, MP for Islington South and Finsbury, expressed her condolences in a tweet: “There are shocking reports of a fatal shooting this afternoon on The Westbourne.

“My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends and local residents in whose midst this terrible event occurred.”

She urged anyone who witnessed the incident or who has video or images to call police on 101 quoting ref CAD 4432/4 July.