Carpentry student, 20, is shot dead in a parked car after he was approached by a gunman who fired several shots through the window

  • Joseph Williams Torres, 20, was sitting in a parked car in Walthamstow when he was targeted by the gunman who fired several shots through his window
  • Former student was treated by paramedics, but died on his way to hospital 
  • Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward to help find his killer

A carpentry student was shot dead in a parked car after he was approached by a gunman, who fire several shots through the window.

Joseph Williams Torres, 20, was sitting in a parked car in Walthamstow , east London, when he was targeted by the gunman.

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Essex Close on Wednesday night.

The ex-Waltham Forest college student was treated by paramedics, but died on his way to hospital.  

Joseph Williams Torres (pictured), 20, was sitting in a parked car in Walthamstow , east London, when he was targeted by the gunman

Joseph Williams Torres (pictured), 20, was sitting in a parked car in Walthamstow , east London, when he was targeted by the gunman

A close friend told the Evening Standard: 'We're all heartbroken. We would walk to school together every day. He had a cheeky smile and was the class joker.

'He was close to his little sister, she is distraught. Joseph was innocent and completely harmless.' 

The investigation into Mr Torres' death is being led by DCI Andrew Packer.

He said: 'At this early stage, it is believed that the victim was in a stationary vehicle which was approached by a number of suspects before shots were fired.

'These shots have fatally wounded the victim and left his family and friends devastated. We are doing everything we can to find the culprits. I would urge all witnesses and those with information to contact police.'

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the incident room on 0208 345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Essex Close on Wednesday night. File photo

Emergency services rushed to the scene on Essex Close on Wednesday night. File photo