A group of girls seen on a West Norwood estate shortly before a talented footballer was shot dead could hold the key to a breakthrough in his murder investigation, police believe.

A group of 10 teenage girls, unknown to residents in the area, were seen in a playground on the Woodvale estate shortly before 23-year-old Ricardo Cunha was killed on Saturday, September 11.

The Portuguese man was shot dead with a single bullet to the head as he looked out of a first-floor window in his flat in Pondfield House, off Elder Road, to investigate banging on his front door.

It is believed shots were fired from outside at about 11.20pm.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said: “We are keen to speak to a group of girls who were in the play area on the estate shortly before the murder took place.”

He said the girls, described as a mixture of light and dark-skinned black girls, were seen at 10.30pm and again at 11pm, but were gone after the shooting took place.

He said anyone who knew why they were there should come forward to the police.

He said: “It may be the girls are vital witnesses or know something about the incident. We are very keen to speak to them.”

Police said were still unable to establish a motive for the murder, and were also investigating if it was a case of mistaken identity.

D Chief Insp Scola said: “He was just an ordinary, nice guy who had been watching Match of the Day with his girlfriend when he was murdered.”

Officers from the Met’s homicide and serious crime command visited the estate on Saturday night, to re-appeal to residents who may have information useful to their investigation.

No arrests have been made. Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.