The heartbroken family of Abraham Badru, who was shot dead yards from his mother’s home in Dalston on Sunday night, say he was the “best son any parent could wish to have”.

Abraham, 26, was killed as he got out of his car in Ferncliff Road just after 11pm on Sunday. A murder probe is under way with no arrests so far.

The football coach, who was hoping to start a PhD, had received a police bravery award for giving evidence against a gang who raped a girl on the Frampton Park Estate in 2007.

His family, who held a vigil for him last night, said in a statement to the Gazette: “We are beyond heartbroken and filled with emptiness. A bright light was put out by an evil person.”

Abraham was his mother’s only child and had a step family on the side of his father Dolapo Badru, a prominent politician in Nigeria.

“He was the best son any parent could ever pray to have and a very loving and protective brother,” the family said. “He was his mother’s world, he cherished her and cared for her in every way he could. They were best friends.

“He was an absolute joy who never stopped smiling, had a smile that would melt hearts and was always willing to help everyone”

An avid church-goer, Abraham had “never been involved in a fight” and had worked “extremely hard” to earn his Master’s in sports coaching from the University of Gloucestershire.

His family also praised his bravery as a teenage witness, for which he received the Binney Memorial Award and Police Public Bravery Award. They said: “Not withstanding all the threats he received, he was bold and strong enough to do the right thing and make sure justice was served.”

They also called for an end to the violence that has seen Abraham become the third person killed in Hackney this year and one of 11 people killed in London in the last fortnight.

“Gun culture is becoming rampant in our community and we all need to come together and put a stop to it,” the family said. “How many more families will be ripped apart with this senseless and callous crime?

“Anyone who has any information to please come forward. Search your conscience and imagine being in our shoes.

“We all feel empty and helpless, it would bring some sort of resolution if we can have justice for Abraham.”

Det Ch Insp Larry Smith, from Scotland Yard’s murder squad, has appealed to anyone with information to “come forward without delay”.

“We are appealing for information so we can establish the circumstances which led to a young man losing his life,” he added.

“Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information can call police on 020 8345 3985 quoting reference 7601/25March; or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.