Ezra Mills was shot dead hours after celebrating his birthday with his family.

The 22-year-old was gunned down in Oakwood Drive, that runs through the Central Hill estate in Gipsy Hill, shortly after 10pm on Sunday night.

Multiple shots were fired, but the 22-year-old, of Rushden Close, Upper Norwood, was killed by a single shotgun wound to the torso.

A gang of between five and eight black, hooded youths, were seen by residents running from the estate moments after the shooting.

Mr Mills, who is not known by police to have links to any gang, was pronounced dead at the scene.

It was his birthday the previous day.

Friends and family have spoken of their tragic loss on the Streatham Guardian website.

One wrote: "I'll never forget you Ez - you was my best friend, godfather to my son, the strongest man I knew, Don't know how I’ll go on without you."

Another mourner - Venicia - wrote: "Ezra you touched alot of hearts and made alot of people smile. You used to chase me around the playground playing kiss chase, I'll never forget you. I love you Ez and RIP. Family, I’ll be praying for your strength x.

A note on flowers left at the scene said: "Another life ruined because of gun crime. RIP gone but not forgotten."

Mr Mills' parents have been too devastated to speak publically of their loss.

Police have launched a murder invesitgation and are now appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Six people were arrested following the fatal shooting. Five have been released without charge, but a 22-year-old man has been bailed pedning further inquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Hutchinson, who is leading the investigation for the Trident south shootings team, said: "Ezra had been with his family just hours before he was killed. It had been his birthday the previous day.

"We know Ezra had friends on the estate. We want to speak to anyone who knew what he was doing on the estate in the hours and minutes up to when he was shot.

"We are also asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything at the time of the shooting, or who are aware of a disturbance or other incident in the hours running up to it, to speak to us."

Police will be revisiting the estate to speak to residents.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information should call 020 8247 4553 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Did you know Ezra Mills? Leave a tribute at streathamguardian.co.uk, call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9538 or email newsdesk@streathamguardian.co.uk