A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being shot in the head in Stratford.

Police were called to the incident in Romford Road shortly before 10.30pm yesterday.

London Ambulance Service staff rushed the 21-year-old victim to hospital, where his injuries are being treated as “life-threatening”.

Officers have yet to publicly name the victim but have informed his next of kin, a Metropolitan Police spokesman said.

“We sent a single responder in a car, an incident response officer and an ambulance crew. We also dispatched London’s Air Ambulance by car,” said a London Ambulance Service spokeswoman. “The first crew was on scene in five minutes.”

While enquiries continue with no arrests made, police cordons have been set up on Romford Road junction with Water Lane eastbound.

Specialist search officers visited the scene earlier today, with police redirecting traffic around the area.

Drivers are advised to travel via alternative routes.

The Met’s Trident team are now investigating and searching for information on the shooting.

“I’m appealing to anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward and tell us what they know,” said investigation lead Det Insp Simon Smith.

“There is a young man in a life-threatening condition and it is vital we uncover exactly what led to him being shot.

“We are pursuing a number of lines of enquiry but I need anyone with information to come forward and speak to police, or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.