Shot student was victim of gang war on streets

Ryan Bravo, 18, was struck in the back by a bullet from a volley of shots fired by gunmen on the back of three mopeds as he entered the Costcutter store in Walworth.

Detectives believe he was the victim of a local gang known as the "OC" - which stands for Organised Crime - who had intended to target two youths from a rival Peckham gang.

The teenager, a business student, was caught in the line of fire as two or more gunmen tried to shoot the two youths after they strayed into the wrong territory.

At least three shots were fired by the gang as the two pushed past Ryan and his brother and cousin.

After the murder police swamped the local area with officers and a 19-year-old was arrested in possession of a powerful handgun.

He was still being questioned in connection with the murder today.

Detectives from Operation Trident, which investigates black on black gun crime, are still hunting members of the armed moped gang and the two youths who were their intended victims. Today police moved to reassure the community in Lambeth and deployed extra street patrols as Ryan's mother Elfrida Kiffin spoke of her devastation at her son's death.

Mrs Kiffin said he was a loving brother and son. She said: "I would like to state that Ryan was a decent, hard-working young man and loving son.

"This is an extremely difficult time for all of us that knew and loved Ryan and I would ask that we are given the time and space to grieve in private.

"I would urge anyone that knows anything to come forward and assist officers from Operation Trident in their efforts to trace witnesses to this cold-blooded and reckless act."

Superintendent Victor Olisa, of Southwark police, said: "We know the whole community will be shocked by this act of random violence and I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to pursue the killers."

Residents said the murder had shaken the community. One said: "It concerns me because it could be me, my sister, my niece or my nephew."

Another added: "You have to hope you are not one of the unlucky ones."

In on-line tributes, friend Lianne said: "Ryan was a fun, caring and loving guy. Even though we drifted apart Ryan will always remain on my mind. My heart goes out to his family. R.I.P Ryan Bravo.. Heavens Newest Soldier.."

A school friend, Alexa, added: "You were a lovely classmate and a credit as a friend. I was shocked when i heard the news about what had happened to you. You didn't deserve to get taken away like that hun."

Last night officers swooped on an area close to a notorious gang estate a mile from the murder scene following reports of a gun fight between youths.

Several plain-clothed armed officers were joined by dozens of uniformed colleagues in Minet Road near the Myatt's Field North Estate in a search for the suspects.

Police said the raid was not connected to the murder.