Detective investigating murder of innocent electrician needs reader to call again

THE detective investigating the murder of an electrician is appealing for a Times reader who called through with vital information to make contact again.

Daniel Smith, 22, from Queen’s Park, was gunned down outside KFC in Harrow Road, Paddington, on May 22.

Detectives from Operation Trident, the Met’s specialist team that investigates gun crime in London, believe Mr Smith was an innocent victim in a case of mistaken identity.

Last month, the Times published an article stating that seven men who had been arrested in connection with Mr Smith’s murder were bailed for a second time.

The article prompted a Times reader to call Crimestopppers anonymously with vital information about Mr Smith’s murder.

Detective Chief Inspector John Crossley, who is heading the murder hunt, is appealing for the reader to contact his team.

He said: “I would urge that person to contact us on the following mobile number 07824 548 341. I will meet them at any time to discuss this or concerns they may have.

“The impact this crime has had on Daniel’s family is devastating.”

Last week, Mr Smith’s devastated family made an emotional appeal for information at an anti-violent crime event.

Winnie and Cherell Smith addressed a crowd of more than 100 people at the event in Maida Hill organised by the Tell It Parents Action Group.

The tearful mother said: “The rippling effect of his death has gone through us and shatters us in so many ways.

“For those who know who killed Daniel think how hard it is for me and my family looking at the empty chair where he would have sat at dinner.

“Think how empty and incomplete we feel.

“You can visit the killers in prison but I can only visit my son at his grave.”

A heartfelt plea from Mrs Smith features on a new leaflet which is being distributed around the Harrow Road area and schools in Brent and Westminster.

Officers from Operation Trident will also be doing a series of talks with students in an effort to drum up more information about Mr Smith’s murder.

DCI Crossley said: “The people responsible for Daniel’s murder live locally and have been talking about it.

“The people responsible shot an innocent hard working young man. It could have been anyone leaving that takeaway that night, your brother, boyfriend or a friend.

“If you have heard the people responsible talking about this or you have any information then please contact us on 0208 733 4212.”

There is a �20,000 reward being offered for information leading to the conviction of Mr Smith’s killers.

If you are the Times reader who called Crimestoppers you can make further contact by calling them again on 0800 555 11 or alternatively call DCI Crossley’s team on 07824 548 341.