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A man shot dead in the street was the innocent victim of a gangland-style killing that could have come straight from a Guy Ritchie gangster film, police said today.
Detectives said Daniel Herbert was beaten then shot in the head for refusing to reveal information about a friend.
The 27-year-old nightclub promoter had been visiting friends in Bermondsey when he was chased through the streets by four men in the early hours of 17 August.
He ran down the road pleading for help, knocking on car windows saying: “Help me, help me.” The men caught up with him in Clements Road, beat him senseless then dragged him to his knees and shot him at point blank range.
One police source told the Standard: “This was like something out of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. It was an extraordinary and brutal murder, even by the standards of London's criminal underworld.”
Detectives believe Mr Herbert was caught in the middle of a gangland feud. They have evidence indicating he may have had a friend who crossed a violent gang.
His mother, Ann Herbert, a supermarket worker from Orpington, has pleaded for people to help police find his killer. She said: “I do not know what I am going to do without him. Someone knows something about Daniel. They beat him and shot him afterwards as if it wasn't enough.”
Her son was living at home at the time and she says she has no idea why he was targeted. Nearly 500 people have signed up to a Facebook page in his memory.
Gangster film Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels made Ritchie's name as a director. Starring former footballer Vinnie Jones, it showed a violent East End world of drugs, guns and murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, who is leading the inquiry, said: “We have now established that Daniel was not the intended target of the four individuals. It would appear that Daniel was simply targeted to get at the other person.
“He is an innocent man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. We believe that he had information that he was not prepared to give up. His loyalty to others cost him his life. I would ask now where is the loyalty of others for Daniel Herbert.”
Mr Herbert, who was 6ft 2in with “sticking out ears” was wearing paint spattered jeans when he was killed. Four men in their twenties have been arrested in connection with the inquiry. Three have been bailed and one has been told he will face no further action.
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4961.
