Residents have spoken of their horror after a man was shot dead by balaclava-clad attackers following a car chase in south-east London on Thursday.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Pembroke Road, Erith, at 8.50pm following reports of shots being fired.

Officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound a short distance away in Hillside, and despite attempts by the emergency services to save his life, he died shortly afterwards at the scene.

It is understood that two vehicles were involved in the incident, and that several attackers in balaclavas fired shots at the victim following a road chase.

Residents described their horror at the violent attack.

Debbie Burton, a grandmother and former school teacher who lives on Pembroke Road, said she was “shocked” and very concerned.

Speaking to the PA news agency, she said: “I didn’t hear the gunshots, but saw the police arriving and knew that something was badly wrong.

“I had heard through the grapevine that something violent had happened, but didn’t know until this morning that it had been confirmed as a shooting.

“It’s just sad, and worrying. Nothing like this has ever happened in Erith while I’ve lived here, and I’ve been living on this street for 26 years.

“This is a very safe area. I’ve seen changes and petty crime does happen from time to time, as it does everywhere, but I have never seen anything of this nature.

“This just goes to show how badly crime is getting out of hand, and I worry for my children and grandchildren with things going the way that they are.”

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Another local woman who had recently moved into the area told PA that Erith’s safe reputation was part of why she had chosen to relocate to a street near Pembroke Road.

“Erith feels very safe, I never would have thought that anything like this would happen here,” she said.

“I would not have moved here if I thought there was a risk that something like this might happen.”

Police are believed to have identified the victim of the attack and are in the process of informing his family.

Road closures remain in place in the area and no arrests have yet been made.

The Metropolitan Police said: “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.”