A woman who was gunned down while out celebrating her birthday had a young son and cherished working as a nursery teacher, her family said.
Sabrina Moss, of Neasden, north west London, died in hospital after being involved in a double shooting. Police have released two men arrested over the incident without further action.
Another 24-year-old woman is in hospital, with her condition described as stable. The women were hit when shots were fired in the street in Kilburn, north west London.
Police said Ms Moss was caught in the wrong place at the wrong time after going out to enjoy her 24th birthday with friends.
Ms Moss’s parents, John and Andrea Moss, said in a statement issued through Scotland Yard: “Our family has been devastated by this horrific incident that has changed our lives forever.
“Sabrina was a fun-loving girl who made friends wherever she went. She was a lovely daughter and a perfect mother to her young son, whom she adored.
“She cherished working as a nursery teacher and treasured working with the children, who undoubtedly will miss her dearly. We urge anyone with any information to contact the police to help catch those responsible.
“We now ask the media to respect our wishes and allow us the privacy we need to begin to rebuild our lives.”
A post-mortem examination today gave cause of death as a gunshot wound to the chest.
Detective Chief Inspector John Sandlin, of the Metropolitan Police, said: “Inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident.
“At this early stage, I believe the two women were innocent parties who were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
Officers were called at 4.12am on Saturday to reports of shots fired in the street in Kilburn High Road, at the junction with Messina Avenue.
Police and the London Ambulance Service found two women suffering from gunshot injuries and both were taken to London hospitals. Ms Moss was pronounced dead later.
Mr Sandlin said: “I am appealing for anyone who witnessed the shooting, or who saw anything suspicious in the Kilburn area, to call police.
“In particular, I need to hear from anyone who saw two males who came into the High Road from Messina Avenue and, after the shooting, made off on foot back along Messina Avenue.”
Tributes to Ms Moss flooded on to social networking site Twitter.
Adjei Adu wrote: “My heart goes out to her family and the lil one she’s left behind, sleep well Sabrina Moss.”
Leila Hassan tweeted: “My Thoughts Are With Your Family… A Beautiful Young Woman, Mother and Daughter!”
Another tweet read: “Lost the cousin I was close with when I was a child.. R.I.P Sabrina Moss.”
Anyone with information that might assist the investigation was asked to call the incident room at Hendon on 020 8358 0300. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.