Key Points
- A £20,000 reward has been offered by Crimestoppers for information leading exclusively to the conviction of those responsible for the fatal shooting of Mahad Abdi Mohammed in Tottenham.
- Mahad Abdi Mohammed, aged 22 and described as a much-loved son, brother, and father, died from a gunshot wound to the head on Waverley Road, Tottenham, on 20 March at 20:45 GMT.
- His 26-year-old friend suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to the leg and received hospital treatment.
- Police believe the shooting resulted from mistaken identity in a pre-planned, targeted attack aimed at someone else.
- Suspects arrived in a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander, which was found burnt-out in Runcorn Close, N17, the following morning; a stolen blue Jaguar is believed to have transported suspects to and from the Mitsubishi.
- The Metropolitan Police have released images of two individuals they wish to speak to in connection with the incident and shared CCTV footage of the Jaguar from over 6,000 hours reviewed.
- On the night of the incident, Mahad Abdi Mohammed and his friend were breaking their fast outside during Ramadan when the suspects alighted from the vehicle and opened fire multiple times.
- Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford leads the investigation and has appealed for information, noting the impact on Tottenham’s tight-knit community.
- Mahad Abdi Mohammed’s youngest sister has made emotional pleas for witnesses to come forward, emphasising justice for her brother, a grieving mother, and his young son.
- Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for London at Crimestoppers, urged anonymous tips, stressing that even small details could make a difference.
- Four men were arrested on suspicion of murder in March and April, questioned, and released on bail pending further enquiries.
- The reward is available for three months, expiring on 20 March 2026, and information can be submitted via police on 101 (quoting 7426/20MAR), the Major Incident Police Portal, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
What Happened on the Night of the Shooting?
The fatal incident unfolded on Waverley Road in Tottenham on Thursday, 20 March, at precisely 20:45 GMT. As reported by the Metropolitan Police in their official release, Mahad Abdi Mohammed, 22, and his 26-year-old friend were outside their home breaking their fast during Ramadan when a stolen Mitsubishi Outlander approached the scene. The suspects alighted from the vehicle and opened fire, striking both men multiple times, according to Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who detailed the sequence in the Met’s statement.
Mahad Abdi Mohammed suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head, while his friend sustained a non-life-changing injury to the leg and was treated in hospital. The BBC reported that emergency services responded to reports of gunfire, discovering Mr Mohammed at the scene. The vehicle used in the attack was later found burnt-out in nearby Runcorn Close, N17, the following morning, as confirmed across multiple outlets including Sky News and the Met Police.
Who Was Mahad Abdi Mohammed?
Mahad Abdi Mohammed was remembered as a much-loved son, brother, and father to a young son. The Metropolitan Police’s news release on 19 December 2025 described him as a 22-year-old whose loss has profoundly affected his family, particularly during their first festive season without him. His youngest sister, speaking directly in the Met’s appeal, portrayed him as deserving justice, stating, as quoted in the official release:
“If you know something and you haven’t come forward, please think about that. Think about a family that cannot begin to heal because the truth is still hiding in the shadows. My brother deserves better.”
Earlier coverage by BBC News in June 2025 noted family and friends returning to the scene near Northumberland Park, overcome with emotion, highlighting Mr Mohammed’s role in the community. Yahoo News UK echoed the tragedy, referring to him as a 27-year-old in some reports, though primary police sources consistently cite his age as 22 at the time of death.
Why Do Police Believe It Was Mistaken Identity?
Officers from the Metropolitan Police firmly believe the shooting was a case of mistaken identity stemming from a pre-planned, targeted attack. As stated by Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford in the Met Police’s 19 December 2025 announcement,
“The investigation so far has led officers to believe whoever killed Mahad set out to hurt someone else in a pre-planned, targeted attack.”
This view aligns with BBC reporting from December 2025, which detailed the belief that Mr Mohammed was not the intended victim.
In a June statement covered by BBC News, DCI Woodsford, also referred to as Becky Woodsford, elaborated:
“Mahad was visiting a friend, breaking his fast during Ramadan, and we currently have no evidence suggesting this was other than tragic case mistaken identity.”
The Telegraph summarised this on 20 December 2025, reinforcing the police’s position on the erroneous targeting.
What Vehicles Were Involved in the Attack?
Two stolen vehicles feature prominently in the investigation. The primary assault vehicle was a Mitsubishi Outlander, used to transport suspects to and from Waverley Road, later recovered burnt-out in Runcorn Close, as detailed in the Met Police release and corroborated by Sky News.
Additionally, detectives have identified a stolen blue Jaguar believed to have ferried the suspects to the Mitsubishi beforehand. The Met Police shared specific CCTV footage of this Jaguar as part of over 6,000 hours of reviewed material—equivalent to 277 days—released alongside the reward appeal on 19 December 2025. BBC News confirmed the Jaguar’s role in shuttling suspects.
Who Are the Police Seeking to Speak To?
The Metropolitan Police have publicised images of two individuals they wish to identify and speak with regarding the shooting. This appeal forms part of the fresh push announced on 19 December 2025, eight months after the incident, as per the Met’s official news page.
No specific descriptions beyond the released images were provided in the sources, but the public is urged to assist. As noted in BBC coverage, these images accompany the reward offer to prompt recognition within Tottenham’s community.
What Has the Family Said About the Shooting?
Mahad Abdi Mohammed’s youngest sister has delivered poignant appeals for information. As reported by the Metropolitan Police on 19 December 2025, she concluded:
“To stay silent is to be complicit. To stay silent is to let a grieving mother suffer in confusion. To stay silent is to let a little boy grow up not knowing what happened to his father.”
She further implored: “My brother deserves better. He deserves justice,” emphasising the family’s stalled healing process. A YouTube video from The Mirror in June 2025 captured family appeals describing Mr Mohammed as a “much-loved son, brother and father.”
What Is Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford’s Appeal?
Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, leading the Met’s investigation, addressed Tottenham’s tight-knit community in a statement released on 19 December 2025. As quoted by the Metropolitan Police, she said:
“Tottenham’s tightknit community has experienced the heartbreaking impact of gun crime. The loss of Mahad weighs heavy every day, but it will be particularly difficult for his loved-ones to carry throughout their first festive season without him. A time where loved-ones traditionally come together will be marked by an empty seat at the table.”
She continued:
“There is someone out there who knows what happened that night and we are urging those individuals to find it in their heart to come forward. No matter how small you think the information is, please speak to us. It could be exactly what we need to locate those responsible. Myself and my team understand how daunting the information sharing process can be, but there are lots of ways to give evidence to the police. We can protect witnesses or request their evidence is anonymous and ensure you will receive special support every step of the way.”
What Is Crimestoppers Offering and Saying?
Crimestoppers announced the £20,000 reward exclusively for information it receives directly, leading to conviction, valid until 20 March 2026. Alexa Loukas, Regional Manager for London at Crimestoppers, stated in the Met Police release:
“Crimestoppers is appealing to anyone with information about this tragic incident to come forward anonymously. Mahad’s loved ones deserve answers and justice for the murder of Mahad. Our charity’s reward offer of £20,000, we hope, may encourage someone who has key details about his murder to come forward and speak up, with the assurance they will remain completely anonymous.”
She added:
“At Crimestoppers, you can share what you know without ever having to reveal your identity, you will never have to speak to the police or give a witness statement. Please, if you have even the smallest detail, come forward. Your courage could make all the difference.”
What Arrests Have Been Made So Far?
Four men were arrested on suspicion of murder in March and April following the shooting. As detailed in the Metropolitan Police’s update and echoed by BBC News and The Mirror, they were questioned and subsequently released on bail pending further investigations. The investigation remains active, with no charges filed to date.
How Can the Public Help with Information?
Members of the public are encouraged to contact police via 101, quoting reference 7426/20MAR, or through the Major Incident Police Portal. Anonymous tips can be given to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online, ensuring complete anonymity. All sources, from BBC to Sky News, emphasise that even minor details could prove crucial.
