A 29-year-old man has been jailed after being found guilty of attempted murder in broad daylight for a minimum of 12 years.

Reece Burton, of no fixed address, was previously found guilty of attempting to shoot another man and possession of a firearm at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, December 11, 2019.

The court heard how Burton armed himself with a loaded firearm and travelled to Birch Road, Leytonstone on the morning of Monday, June 17, 2019.

When the 28-year-old victim left his house at around 11:30am, Burton discharged the firearm at least twice.

One of the shots struck the victim in the neck, narrowly missing vital arteries and blood vessels.

Staggering home, the victim was convinced he was dying, while Burton fled the scene on a bicycle.

Detectives from Specialist Crime launched an investigation and Burton was identified and arrested on Friday, June 21, 2019.

The firearm has never been recovered and Burton failed to admit any responsibility for the attack.

On Monday, February 17, at the same court, Burton was sentenced to life imprisonment and told he must serve a minimum of 12 years.

On sentencing, the judge said Burton was a dangerous offender who was heavily entrenched in criminal culture.

Detective Inspector Matthew Webb, who led the investigation, said: “This offence was borne from tensions between street gangs and their members and was clearly a pre-planned and targeted attack.

“There is no doubt that Burton intended to take the life of the victim. He laid in wait with a firearm, with no regard to the fact it was broad daylight and other members of the public were present.

“It is simply pure luck that the victim was not killed.

“The sentence imposed today illustrates the seriousness of this offence. I would like to use this opportunity to offer my thanks to those people who selflessly assisted the victim, offering comfort and first aid, not knowing if Burton and his associate were still nearby”.

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Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website https://crimestoppers-uk.org/