Police keeping open mind on motive for double murder at London flat

Police investigating the murder of a mother-of-nine and her nephew said they are keeping an open mind as to the motive for the shooting.

The victims - named by family members as Bervil Ekofo, 21, and his 52-year-old aunt Anny Ekofo - were fatally shot at a flat in Elmshurst Crescent in East Finchley, north London, on Thursday morning.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses, urging anyone with information to come forward after what they described as a "shocking incident".

Family members who came together to grieve outside the address on Thursday said they did not know what had happened, but believe the two were killed by mistake.

Police were called to the address at 6.25am to reports of two people injured with gunshot wounds.

Three ambulances and an air ambulance also attended, but both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

In the wake of the deaths Mr Ekofo's mother said she has lost her "life" and her "best friend".

Maymie Botamba told the Press Association: "He was my life, they have taken my life away. He was my best friend.

"He was so lovely and kind to everyone, always surrounded by girls. He had never been in trouble before, he had never been in a fight in his life."

One relative, who did not wish to be named, said: "We think they were at the wrong place at the wrong time.

"We think someone came to the address looking for someone else and when Anny answered the door, they shot her. We think (Bervil) was in his bed sleeping."

Mrs Ekofo's cousin, Fifi Selo, said that Mrs Ekofo and her husband Jean Pierre had been living in the UK for around 25 years after moving from Congo in central Africa.

Ms Selo, 38, said: "They were an amazing family. Anny was the kind of person who was a mum to everybody. She always brought everybody together."

There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Andrew Partridge said: "This is a shocking incident that took place in daylight, albeit in the early hours, and at this early stage in the investigation I am keeping an open mind with regards to a motive for the attack."

He added: "It is important that anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the vicinity of the shooting contacts the investigation team as they may hold vital information which could assist us."