A man shot dead in south London was a bus driver whose death was a case of being in the “wrong place” at the “wrong time”, a friend of his has said.

Emergency services were called at 9.57pm on Monday after reports of gunshots being fired in Willington Road, Clapham, the Metropolitan Police said.

A 25-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene, near a pub, despite the efforts of medical professionals.

Shortly afterwards, a 22-year-old man attended hospital with a gunshot wound and was arrested on suspicion of murder, according to the force.

Speaking near the scene, a friend of the victim described him as a “cool guy”, adding that he believed the death was the result of “wrong place, wrong time”.

He said: “I don’t have bad things to say about him.

“He’s a cool guy, like I said, bus driver, hard-working.

“It’s shocking because of who he is and his character.”

The man, who also works as a bus driver, said the death is “going to hurt a lot of people”.

Another friend of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said he was a “great guy”, adding: “It’s been hectic, everyone’s very hot-headed right now, everyone’s obviously grieving and I feel extremely bad for his mother as well, she’s in bits.

“It hurts me as well.”

A police forensics tent remained in place across the road from The Landor pub on Tuesday, while several bouquets of flowers have been laid and a candle has been lit near its entrance.

Staff from The Landor are understood to have helped the victim after the shooting.

A 26-year-old woman living nearby said she heard four gunshots and initially thought it was the sound of a car backfiring.

She told the Press Association: “There was a guy lying on the ground, lots of blood around him.

“There were loads of people around him, I went and helped.

“I work in healthcare and I went and helped assist.”

The woman said there was a significant emergency response including armed police officers, while two other residents described hearing four gunshots at around 10pm on Monday and seeing a car with a broken window.

One man, who did not wish to be named, said he heard three gunshots and saw someone run out of the pub and shout “call the police”.

He said he saw a moped and white car drive off before the police arrived and that women could be heard “screaming and crying” outside.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, Central South Borough Commander, said: “We understand that incident will cause concern within the local community and an increased police presence will remain in the area throughout the day as our inquiries continue.

“Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family for their tragic loss.

“Officers have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, and we are working tirelessly to establish what happened.

“We are asking anyone with information or anyone who may have witnessed the shooting to please contact us as soon as possible and support the ongoing investigation.”

The force said the family of the victim are receiving support from specialist officers.

The suspect remains in hospital and police are awaiting an update on his condition.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is encouraged to contact police on 101 quoting reference 8379/10AUG.

Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.