THE main suspect in a shooting in West Hendon this morning is believed to have run off down the Edgware Road, according to detectives.

A white man in his 20s, believed to be a postman, was airlifted to hospital after being gunned down in Marsh Drive at about 5.45am.

He is thought to have been shot in the groin and his condition is described as critical.

Detective Chief Inspector Mick Foote of Trident said: "Although this incident happened early in the morning, the suspect is believed to have run down the Edgware Road which is still busy at that time.

“I would ask anyone who was in that area at the time and may have seen something suspicious, or someone fitting this description to contact police in the strictest of confidence"

The suspect is described as wearing black jogging bottoms, black trainers and a navy blue hooded top with an orange high visibility jacket over the top.

Witnesses say he ran off towards West Hendon Broadway from the estate.

Forensics officers have spent the afternoon combing the area for clues and searching for the weapon used.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8733 4774, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.