The heartbroken mother of a rapper gunned down outside his home said the image of him shot in his car will never leave her.

Umar Tufail was sat in his car on Wharncliffe Road, South Norwood, when he was shot on July 15.

The 25-year-old rapper who performed under the name Humuh Humz, was taken to Kings College Hospital, but died from a single bullet wound to the head the following day.

Recalling the minutes after Mr Tufail was shot, his devastated mum Francesca Thompson, said: "I was downstairs on the computer with my sister when my son started screaming Umar had been shot.

"I was shaking tying up my shoes, I couldn't open the door and when I opened it, I just screamed.

"My son, I saw his face that will never leave me -that bullet there" she said pointing to her temple.

Remembering their eldest son, Miss Thompson and Umar's dad Sajid Tufail, said although he was a rapper, he had never been involved in crime, drugs or gangs.

Mr Tufail said: "I don't want people to get the wrong impression about Umar and his music, if you listen to his lyrics he wanted to bring change and some humour."

Lovingly remembering the former Croydon College student, Mr Tufail said: "He was a very nice guy, a gentle soul. He gave without asking for anything in return.

"He was a very positive guy and so caring and popular. They loved him at work, he learnt everything-they said he was indispensible."

Describing her son as a family man, Miss Thompson said his death had left his siblings-two brothers and a sister, inconsolable.

Miss Thompson said: "My daughter is devastated she just loved him so much and my son said that day he lost not only his brother, but he lost his inspiration."

Police continue to appeal for witnesses. It is believe the suspects or suspects were travelling in a grey car.

It is thought to have pulled up alongside Umar's red Vauxhall Corse and a shot was fired through and open window, before the suspect car drove off in the direction of Grange Road, Thornton Heath.

Miss Thompson said: "Whoever has done this has not just taken him, they have taken my life.

"I will never be able to live my normal life again because my son was precious. I want to know why they took him.

Mr Tufail added: "They haven't just taken one life, they have devastated so many others."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0208 247 4554 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.