Tinodiwanashe Makwanya died in the drive by shooting. Pic: Met Police.

Murder detectives have begun a hunt for a gunman after a 24-year-old man was left dead following a drive by shooting in the busy Croydon town centre on Friday night.

Scotland Yard have now named the victim as Tinodiwanashe Makwanya after he was shot in the head in the attack on Wellesley Road after 10pm on Friday.

According to police, Makwanya was in the passenger seat of a Volkswagen car when he was shot by a motorcyclist carrying a passenger.

The driver of the vehicle, who suffered minor injuries, immediately drove Makwanya to the closest hospital in Croydon, but it was confirmed that he was dead on arrival.

Police were called to the shooting at 10.05pm on Friday June 9.

Detective Inspector Domenica Catino of the Homicide and Major Crime Command leads the investigation – she said: “Croydon town centre would have been busy with people out and about on a Friday night and I would appeal to anyone who was in the area and saw the events unfolding to contact police.

“At this stage we retain an open mind to the motive for this shooting and our enquiries continue.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8721 4622 or Police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.