This is the first picture of a young woman who was shot dead as she stood talking with friends in north-west London.

Mohanna Abdhou, 20, known as Montana among friends, was found suffering gunshot injuries in Kilburn on Friday night.

Police and paramedics were scrambled to the street in Malvern Road, but she was pronounced dead on the scene just after 9.30pm.

Montana and her friends were approached by two males on bicycles before she was shot, Scotland Yard said.

Police believe a gun was fired “a number of times” at the group.

The suspects fled along Malvern Road, heading towards Shirland Road.

Residents reported seeing the area cordoned off as a helicopter buzzed overhead.

Video taken at the estate showed a large crowd of police gathered around as neighbours were ushered away from the scene.

Labour parliamentary candidate Tulip Siddiq tweeted: “Horrified to hear of fatal shooting this evening in Kilburn – thoughts are with victim & family.”

Councillor Tom Miller wrote: "Terrible fatal shooting in South Kilburn this evening and a cordon now up. Thoughts with family and friends of the victim."

A post-mortem examination took place at Northwick Park Hospital on Saturday, and gave the cause of death as a single gunshot wound.

DCI Andy Partridge said: "It was still daylight when this attack took place and the location is very near a children's playground. This was a cowardly attack on a young woman who was out enjoying the warm weather in the company of her friends.

“I believe the public can help further and would appeal for anyone who knows anything about this attack and those responsible for it to come forward and tell me and my officers what happened.

"The two suspects have both been described as medium build, dressed all in dark clothing and having their faces covered to hide their identities. This fact alone would have made them stand out on such a warm evening."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8358 0300 or via Twitter @MetCC.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org