The partner of a man who was gunned down in his Uxbridge driveway last week has spoken of her grief.
Samatha Tait, the youth club secretary of Southall FC, said her partner Redwan El-Gahidouni "never stood a chance" as he was executed outside his home on Tuesday (February 3).
Detectives hunting the gunman who murdered the father-of-three, 38, at the wheel of his car, issued a CCTV image of the suspected hitman earlier this week.
Mr El-Ghaidouni - a convicted "drugs baron" - was shot at point-blank range outside his detached home, in Vine Lane, just before 7pm and died an hour later. Neighbours recalled hearing gunshots like 'fireworks'.
Police say he was approached by a lone gunman who fired a number of shots into the driver’s side window of his luxury Audi saloon before making off on foot.
Ms Taitt said: “I was expecting my beloved Redwan to return home from work to look after our three children. As he arrived home he was executed and he never stood a chance.
“Our three young children will now grow up without their loving father. His mother, father and siblings are left without a son and brother.
“We would like to appeal to the public to assist the police with any information they can provide. We are left numb with pain and he will be greatly missed.”
A spokesman from Southall FC, where Ms Tait works, said: “I never met him myself but he was Samantha’s partner and I assume father to her young children.
"She is a football mum. Very reliable and trustworthy.
"What has happened is awful for her.”
Officers have confirmed they are investigating whether car dealer Mr El-Ghaidouni was the victim of a "targeted" hit connected to his past as the kingpin of a drug smuggling ring, for which he had recently completed an eight-year prison sentence.
The suspect police are hunting is said to have fled from the scene on foot through an alleyway leading to Saunders Road, before running off towards Honey Hill.
Police say he was wearing a dark, hooded top with a large motif on the front, light coloured bottoms, dark gloves and dark shoes or trainers.
Officers are appealing for witnesses, who they say will be spoken to in strict confidence.
Local police have reassured residents that they “will not rest” until the area is safe and reminded local people that the murder was not a random attack.
Anyone with information should call 020 8785 8099 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
