Hayes shooting: Man, 23, dies after being gunned down in west London as police launch murder probe

A witness today told how she and her teenage daughter battled to save a young man's life after he was gunned down in west London.

The 23-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene after the shooting in Austin Road, Hayes, on Tuesday evening.

One woman told the Standard: “I was with my 15-year-old daughter when we saw a guy laying on the ground surrounded by his mates. A car was driving off. He was alive but not speaking - he was out of it.

"My daughter called the police and some people came out with a towel and tried to stem the blood flow.

"We could see he wasn't going to make it but we tried to help. My daughter was so traumatised, she couldn’t go to school. It was horrible.”

The shooting happened just 100 yards from Hayes Town Centre, opposite the Air Link Hotel.

A staff member said: “Obviously it’s a shock, but no one was hurt here and we are relieved. There have been some problems around here, but nothing on this level.”

A burnt-out car was recovered a few miles from the scene.

A murder probe has been launched. Two men in their twenties have been arrested in connection with the incident and remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Katherine Goodwin said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who lost his life last night. I want to reassure them and the wider community that my team and I are working hard to find out what led up to this tragic incident.

“I must stress that the investigation is very much in its early stages and while we have made two arrests, we are continuing to follow all lines of inquiry and remain open minded as to who was responsible. I would ask that anyone who was in the vicinity of Austin Road around 10pm and witnessed anything suspicious to get in touch with us."

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course. Formal identification has not taken place but the victim's next-of-kin have been informed.

A police cordon has been thrown up around the scene.

Anyone who has information is asked to call 101 quoting reference Cad 7454/13Oct, tweet @MetCC, or to contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.