DNA evidence discovered inside a stolen getaway vehicle proved crucial in securing a life sentence for a gunman who carried out a drive-by shooting in West London.
Nathan Tokosi, 25, of Grove Street, Lewisham, will serve a minimum of 24 years behind bars after being convicted of attempting to murder a 27-year-old man during the attack in Notting Hill.
Police officers were called to Clydesdale Road at approximately 02:00hrs on Monday, 20 November 2023, following reports of a shooting. Witnesses described a vehicle pulling alongside another car before a passenger opened fire with a handgun.
The severely injured victim was later found by officers at his home address. He was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries but survived the attack and was eventually discharged.
Investigators located an abandoned stolen car in Allington Road, Queen’s Park, shortly after the incident. Forensics teams examined the vehicle and discovered Tokosi’s DNA inside. A black bag containing a handgun and ammunition was recovered nearby.
The breakthrough led detectives to arrest Tokosi in Lewisham on Friday, 16 February 2024, after his vehicle was stopped by officers. A subsequent search of his address uncovered another firearm along with additional ammunition.
Tokosi faced trial at the Old Bailey, where he denied any involvement in the shooting. However, a jury found him guilty of attempted murder on Tuesday, 18 March 2025. He was also convicted of two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of possessing ammunition with intent to endanger life.
Detective Inspector Chris Shepherd, from the Central South Borough Command Unit, described Tokosi’s actions as premeditated, reckless and malicious. According to the officer, the investigation reflects the Metropolitan Police’s no-tolerance approach to gang violence on London’s streets.
He credited both the investigation team for bringing Tokosi to justice and the officers and medical staff who treated the victim following the shooting.
Tokosi appeared before the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 27 January, where he received his life sentence.
