Fatal shooting of mother-of-nine and nephew 'was mistaken identity' says victim's grieving sister

Victim Bervil Ekofo pictured with his mother Maymie Botamba
PA
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A mother-of-nine and her nephew were gunned down today when five men burst into a north London flat, relatives said.

Anny Ekofo and her nephew Bervil Ekofo were shot dead in Mrs Ekofo’s home in East Finchley at around 6.25am.

It is understood the the gang targeted Beverly, 21, before shooting his 52-year-old aunt.

Their family said today Bervil, known as Beverly, was shot in a case of mistaken identity.

Victim: Anny Ekofo died along with her nephew Beverly

Some of Mrs Ekofo’s children and her husband Jean Pierre were said to be at the address at the time of the shootings.

Police today launched a murder investigation after they were called to reports of a man and woman suffering from gunshot wounds.

The pair were pronounced dead at the scene.

Relatives and friends of the victims continued to stay at the scene outside the house. One woman was reportedly seen trying to break through the police cordon.

East Finchley Shooting

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Mr Ekofo's sister Francine claimed that he was shot in bed at his Auntie Anny's house.

Distraught onlookers at the scene in East Finchley
Lucy Young

She said: "He was in bed. Anny answered the door to the gang, they shot her and then shot Bervil while he was asleep on the couch. There had been someone staying at the house who was on the run from someone but had moved on.

"They were targeting him but got my brother instead. It was a case of mistaken identity. My brother was never in any trouble he was just stating at his auntie's house it was wrong place wrong time. He was the best brother anyone could have.

Beverly had previously been studying art and media at Westminster College but had recently moved to the University of West London, his sister said.

His mother Maymie added that he wanted to be a photographer.

She said: "He was an angel he was the perfect son in every way. He was like my best friend as well. He wanted to be a photographer he had a bright future and now he is gone."

A relative said: “A gang of five people came in through the front door and shot Beverly.”

Shooting: Police at the scene of the incident on Elmhurst Crescent
@miliremersaro

Fifi Selo, a cousin of Anny, said: “Anny was Beverly’s auntie. She was an amazing mother and wonderful person.”

“The family are from Congo and moved here for a better life. We did not expect this in London.

“We are in the dark, we have no idea why this happened. They had no problems. We got a call this morning and we are devastated.”

It is believed Mr Ekofo was visiting his auntie at the flat in Elmshurst Crescent.

Neighbours told how they were woken by sirens just after dawn as paramedics and police cars raced to the scene.

Milagros Remersaro said she heard someone shouting “what have you done, what have you done” just before police arrived.

Neighbour Rob Crouchley added: “I head arguing between a man and woman and then wailing and screaming the someone panic stricken shouted ‘get an ambulance’.

“That flat is busy with people coming and going all hours but there has never been any trouble.”

Scotland Yard’s Homicide and Major Crime Command are investigating and no arrests have been made.

The roads around the estate were cordoned off and forensic officers were trawling the scene.

Anyone with any information is urged to call the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or Crimestooppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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