A terrified man has told of the moment he heard “three to four loud bangs" during a fatal shooting in Erith.

Officers were called to reports of gunshots being fired in Pembroke Road on February 9 at 8.50pm.

A man was found a short distance away in Hillside having been shot and he died at the scene.

A resident who has lived in Pembroke Road for 50 years, who wishes to be kept anonymous, said he initially thought people were setting off fireworks.

He told the News Shopper: “I heard around three to four loud bangs but didn’t think anything of it.

“Then we heard a helicopter above us, and when outside to see police arriving.

“I didn’t want to leave my house or get involved with it.

"Ambulance services arrived and took the man to hospital.”

The 72-year-old resident said he feels “uncomfortable” and “neglected” and describes Pembroke Road as a “dump”.

He added: “The council needs to do more in protecting us, there’s a lot of issues especially this part of Erith.

“I’ve lived here for over 50 years, and it’s never been like this. It’s just recently because the area is neglected.”

Another man who lives nearby told the News Shopper he "heard gunshots and just saw a man with his hands covered in blood before police arrived and it was all over".

Pembroke Road is currently cordoned off by police as investigations take place.

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Officers have not provided any further details about the man.

Enquiries are under way to confirm his identity and inform his next of kin.

No arrests have been made following the incident.

Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to call 101 and quote reference CAD7135/9Feb.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A spokesperson for Metropolitan Police said: “A murder investigation is under way following a shooting in Erith.

“Police were called at approximately 20:50hrs on Thursday, 9 February to reports of shots fired in Pembroke Road, Erith.

“Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.

News Shopper:

“A male – no further details – was found a short distance away in Hillside, suffering a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died at the scene.

“Enquiries are under way to confirm his identity and inform his next of kin.

“Road closures remain in place at the location.

“No arrests; enquiries into the circumstances continue.

“Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD7135/9Feb.

“You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called yesterday 9 February at 8:48pm to reports of gun shots on Pembroke Road, Erith.

“We sent a number of resources to the scene, including an incident response officer, two medics in fast response cars, two ambulance crews, and London’s Air Ambulance.

“Sadly, despite the best efforts of our crews, a person was pronounced dead at the scene.”