A man has been jailed after shooting “wildly” at “terrified” shoppers while wearing a balaclava.

Ricardo Anderson, of Manor Road, Tottenham, was convicted at the Central Criminal Court on Wednesday, April 10 of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and attempted grievous bodily harm.

The court heard that on May 27, 2023, at around 8pm a blue R-type VW Golf sped along Park Lane, Tottenham, before coming to “an abrupt stop” in the middle of the road.

A man wearing a balaclava was then seen pulling a gun from his waistband and firing “wildly” towards the vehicle.

An occupant of the car also had a gun and tried to shoot back, but their weapon jammed.

The car then “sped off” while the man left the scene on foot.

After the incident, police could not find those involved and began investigating.

A number of shell casings were recovered and CCTV revealed that around 30 minutes before the shooting a group had gathered in the area to film a music video.

One man was wearing a distinctive blue North Face tracksuit, black trainers and a balaclava.

He was the man later seen firing at the car.

CCTV footage from a nearby shop captured the same man without his face covered, leading police to identify him as Ricardo Anderson.

The vehicle involved was later traced and found to have been stolen.

Despite extensive enquiries the occupants were not identified.

Anderson was arrested on May 31, 2023, and charged the next day.

He was jailed for 16 years and six months.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Rhiain John said: “This incident took place in a busy street, on a warm summer’s evening where people were out and shops were open.

“Terrified onlookers including children sought refuge in shops and scrambled for safety behind parked cars.

“Ricardo Anderson had absolutely no concern for them at all.

“But for sheer luck this could have been a murder investigation.

“From our enquiries we established the incident was part of an ongoing dispute involving rival gangs in the area.

“We worked tirelessly using CCTV, witness and forensic evidence that would help prove Anderson’s guilt.

“These kinds of offences are taken incredibly seriously and we do everything in our power to identify and prosecute those responsible.”