DETECTIVES believe the weapon used to kill Jamail Newton could have been a Mac10 - a machine pistol capable of firing more than 1,000 rounds a minute. Such weapons are notoriously difficult to control and detectives are exploring the possibility that Mr Newton was murdered at random when the machine gun was discharged indiscriminately in the street.

Police have said there is no evidence at the early stage of their murder investigation to suggest Mr Newton had been singled out for execution.

Police were called to a disturbance outside Aristocrat in Camberwell Road just after 2am on Wednesday to reports of men throwing fireworks at the club after being refused entry to a Hallowe'en party.

But just after police arrived, automatic gun fire was heard further up the street. Witnesses have reported hearing at least three bursts of gunfire within a matter of seconds.

The exact circumstances of Mr Newton's murder remain unclear but he is known to have been standing in Camberwell Road with two friends when the shots were fired.

Residents emerged from their homes to discover Mr Newton lying in a pool of blood on the pavement.

Bullets had strafed the front wall of at least two properties and police later recovered 20 spent bullet cases.

Mr Newton was taken to King's College Hospital in Denmark Hill where he died from his injuries.

The student lived in Fulham but has family connections in South-west London.

In a statement, his mother Veronica Johnson said: "I am utterly devastated at the loss of my son.

"I would urge anyone with information to contact the police."

Wreaths have been laid at the murder scene by grieving friends, including a note from "Becky" which read: "I can't believe up till now that you're gone.

"You've given me things I have never asked for and expected nothing in return. People know you as 'Big Show' but you're really a big friendly giant."

Another man was treated for gun wounds believed to have been caused in the incident.

One witness, who asked not to be named, said: "People were running for their lives.

"I saw one person on the ground bleeding. It looked like he had been shot in the head."

Part of the murder scene remained cordoned off as police continue their investigation.