A murder investigation has been launched after a 40-year-old man found with gunshot wounds to his head on Tuesday died in hospital.  

The man was found lying on the pavement in Nelson Street in Whitechapel, with a serious head injury, believed to be a gunshot wound.  He was taken to the nearby Royal London Hospital, but died on Thursday.

A post-mortem examination to determine cause of death will be held November 25 at Poplar Mortuary. However, his head injury is “strongly suspected to be from a bullet wound”, Scotland Yard confirmed. 

In a statement, Detective Inspector Perry Benton said: “We’re still in the early stages of our investigation but it is imperative that anyone with information regarding the incident contacts us as soon as possible.” 

A hunt for the gunman is now underway by homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, there have been no arrests. 

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call incident room on 020 8345 3775 or police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 10007/19 NOV. 

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.