A 25-year-old bus driver shot dead in his car near a pub in Clapham has been named by detectives as Auguste-Marie Bile-aka Amoa, as his family said they had been left “shattered” by his death.
Bile-aka was fatally shot on Landor Road in south-west London on Monday night, with detectives continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing.
His family said they had been told he was dropping his girlfriend off when the shooting occurred.
A 22-year-old man suspected of carrying out the attack was also wounded and later attended hospital, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
He remains in hospital under police guard.
Detectives are working to establish the sequence of events surrounding the shooting and have appealed for witnesses and anyone with relevant footage to come forward.
Suspect Allegedly Seen In Shop After Shooting
Staff at a shop close to the scene have claimed a man believed to be the suspected gunman entered the premises moments after the attack.
They said he arrived at approximately 9.57pm wearing a motorcycle helmet and bought a drink.
The man subsequently went to hospital, where he was arrested.
The account forms part of the emerging picture surrounding the shooting, although police have not yet publicly established the full circumstances or confirmed a motive.
Earlier accounts from the scene suggested the shooting may have involved a motorcycle, while witnesses reported hearing several gunshots before emergency services arrived.
Family Left ‘Shattered’
Bile-aka’s relatives have paid tribute to the 25-year-old following his identification.
“We are shattered by this,” one family member said.
“We heard he was dropping his girlfriend off.
“He was a good guy, a great person. I don’t know what else to say.”
Friends have described Bile-aka as an “amazing human being” and claimed he had been in the “wrong place at the wrong time”.
A family member at the scene was previously heard saying: “They got the wrong boy.”
Police have not confirmed claims that Bile-aka was the victim of mistaken identity, and detectives are continuing to investigate why he was shot.
Bus Driver Also Mentored Young People
Alongside his work as a bus driver, Bile-aka had volunteered at a local school where he helped mentor young people.
A member of staff said he had grown up around the area and later returned because he wanted to contribute to his community.
“He was a lovely kid; he had played around the area when he was young and wanted to give something back,” the staff member said.
“He was a lovely guy, great with the kids who would look up to him.”
His death has prompted tributes from relatives, friends and others who knew him locally.
Detectives Appeal For Footage
Detective Chief Inspector Claire Guiver, who is leading the murder investigation, said officers were continuing urgent inquiries.
“Our thoughts remain with Bile-aka’s family as they come to terms with this tragic incident,” she said.
“We continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.
“If you were in the area at the time of the shooting, witnessed anything suspicious or have any CCTV, dashcam or doorbell footage that could assist our investigation, we urge you to get in touch.
“Any piece of information could prove vital in helping us piece together the full circumstances.”
The 22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in hospital under police guard while detectives continue inquiries into the circumstances surrounding Bile-aka’s death.