A new leaflet appealing directly to the killers of Daniel Smith is today being distributed around Harrow Road and across schools in Westminster.

Mr Smith, 22, was fatally shot outside KFC on Harrow Road last May and the killers have never been found.

The leaflet, which is headed ‘Murder, why would you do it?’ contains a heartfelt letter from Mr Smith’s mother Winnie Smith and appeals for information on his murder.

“Daniel was my everything,” she says. “The pride and joy of my life.

“Hard working, ambitious, caring, loving and kind - always striving to be the best that he could be and to make his family proud.”

She adds: “Why didn’t the people who kill him just aspire to be like Daniel?

“They would then be known as men. My son was amazing.

“We still feel cheated by the people who are shielding his killers.”

The Mozart Estate resident was shot at 12.15am on May 22 as he put his takeaway into the back of a car.

After being shot in the back, he staggered back across Harrow Road into the KFC where he collapsed.

It is thought the death was a case of mistaken identity as Mr Smith had no criminal connections and was not connected to any gangs.

The leaflet will be distributed from today while officers from the Metropolitan Police Trident unit are holding a series of talks with students this week in a bid to gain information.

Det Ch Insp John Crossley says the new appeal is a direct plea for information to people who were in the area at the time of the shooting and those who have spoken to the individuals responsible for the crime.

“Harrow Road is a busy main road, where the number 18 bus runs, and there must be people who were there at the time and have not yet spoken to us,” he said.

“We would very much like them to come forward. We also believe that the people responsible live locally, and have been talking about this crime.

“If you are someone who is aware of this, and you have not approached us due to fear or misplaced loyalty, I would appeal to you to contact police.

“Gun crime can create a lot of fear but by not coming forward you are allowing these cowards to continue to ruin people’s lives and increase this fear.

“Trident has great expertise in protecting witnesses and there are a huge variety of measures that can be put in place to protect you.

“If you are not coming forward due to loyalty, this really is misplaced.

“Daniel was shot from behind, in a cowardly act. This could have been your son, brother, husband or friend. I urge you to look into your conscience.”

A reward of �20,000 is offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and prosecution of the people responsible.

Anyone with information is urged to call the incident room on 0208 733 4212, Det Ch Insp on 07824 548 341 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.