'Yardies' executed girl

A seven-year-old girl was shot in the back and killed as she ran away to stop her identifying her father's killer, police said today.

Toni-Ann Byfield was executed by what police believe was a Yardie hitman who had just killed her father Bertram Byfield, a 41-year-old convicted crack dealer.

Toni-Ann, who had just arrived in the UK from Jamaica, became the youngest victim of Yardie gang violence in London, police said.

Detective chief superintendent John Coles, head of Operation Trident which investigates black on black gun crime, said: "Mr Byfield was shot several times and his daughter once in the back, I assume that she was trying to run away from the gunman."

Mr Coles, a hardened detective, looked visibly moved as he went on: "It is without doubt the most evil and despicable crime I have come across in all my service and it shows the lengths some people will go to to protect their identity after committing a murder."

Neighbours in Kensal Green were woken shortly after midnight yesterday by screaming and banging at the bedsit in Harrow Road. Some reported hearing at least four shots. Neighbour Saleha Shaikh, 36, said: "I heard something being thrown against the wall and then I heard crying, like a scream."

Mrs Shaikh added: "Police arrived and I saw the little girl being carried out in a man's arms."

Craig Leslie, 40, who lives two doors away, said: "I saw the little girl being carried out. She looked lifeless and her body was limp. I then saw the man being stretchered out. He was wearing an oxygen mask."

The pair were taken to separate west London hospitals where they later died from their injuries.

A family friend, who left a bouquet at the murder scene, said the youngster arrived in London a few months ago to receive a British education and was looking forward to a new life with her father.

Officers said they were keeping an open mind about the motive for the murder. Detective Chief Inspector Richard Freeman said: "This is a very serious incident but speculation is unhelpful at this early stage."

Police have asked anyone with information to contact 020 8358 0100 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.