Man Shot Dead in East Ham Car

An inquest has been opened into the death of Masum Miah, 42, who was killed by two gunshots fired into a car on St Bartholomew’s Road in East Ham. Mr Miah was pronounced dead at 3.30am on August 18 after emergency services attended the scene. Sergiu Leahu, 40, who has no fixed abode, has been charged with his murder.

Circumstances of the shooting

The inquest, which opened at East London Coroner’s Court in Walthamstow on September 2, heard that Mr Miah was sitting in a car on St Bartholomew’s Road when an unknown individual approached and fired two shots through an open window. One shot struck Mr Miah. A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as a gunshot wound to his right shoulder. Mr Miah resided on Albany Road in Leyton at the time of his death. He had lived in the UK since childhood and is survived by a daughter, according to Bangladeshi media.

Investigation and appeal for witnesses

Detective chief inspector Dan Whitten, leading the investigation, stated that thoughts remain with Mr Miah’s family. The Metropolitan Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. They are specifically seeking information about a black Nissan Duke in the vicinity of St Bartholomew's Road between the evening of August 17 and the early hours of August 18. Police are also requesting any dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area at the time of the incident. Information can be provided by calling 101, quoting reference CAD 797/18AUG, via the Major Incident Public Portal, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Legal proceedings

Mr Leahu, who is remanded in custody, appeared at the Old Bailey on August 26. The full inquest into Mr Miah’s death has been adjourned until the conclusion of criminal proceedings.