Was victim shot in revenge for testifying against gang?

POLICE are investigating whether a man shot dead outside his home last month was murdered in revenge for helping to bring a gang of rapists to justice.

Abraham Badru, 26, received a bravery award from the Metropolitan Police in 2009, after he helped intervene to stop a girl being gang raped and then gave evidence against her attackers.

He was gunned down in Hackney, east London, on March 25, as he opened the boot of his car to look for a drink.

His devastated mother, Ronke Badru, has said she believes the killing was an act of revenge and police have said it is one line of inquiry.

Mr Badru was just 14 when he witnessed the attack at a party in 2007, and intervened to help the victim.

He was threatened by the culprits and his home was pelted with eggs, but he went on to give evidence in court and nine people were convicted, one of whom was jailed for life.

Police say his killer, who may have been lying in wait, was riding a white bike. He is believed to have emerged from an alleyway, shot Mr Badru twice and then escaped down another alleyway.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel Mchugh said: “Abraham was an ambitious and talented young man who had everything to live for. He did not deserve what happened to him and his family do not deserve the torment they are suffering now.”

Officers want to trace four people who were near the scene.