THE mother of a man who was shot in the face has spoken of the terrifying moment when she found her injured son.

The 20-year-old was shot during a short trip to a shop in an apparent random attack on Hale End Road, Walthamstow, at 9.46pm on Tuesday (January 12).

He is currently under armed guard in hospital and has been sedated. His condition is described as serious but stable.

His mother has not been able to speak to her son and does not know the circumstances surrounding the shooting, or why he was targeted.

She has urged people in the area to come forward with information to help police.

The woman, who asked not to be identified, said: "I'm so scared for me and my family now.

"We would appreciate it if anyone who saw this happen would come forward."

The woman said her son went out to a shop on Hale End Road, but returned moments later.

She described seeing her injured son immediately after the incident.

"He went out and then I heard him frantically ringing the doorbell soon after and thought there was no way he could have got to the shop and back in that time," she said.

"When I went to the door, I saw he had a big open wound in his cheek.

"I didn't even realise it was a gunshot wound at first.

"I rang an ambulance and said 'My son has been attacked, he has been stabbed' because I thought it was a stab wound, but he was saying 'No mum, I've been shot.'"

"I'm just so relieved now I know he is not in a life-threatening situation," she said.

"No matter how long it takes, he is going to get better."

Maria Joseph, 32, was unable to get back to her house in Heathcroft Gardens until 1am after she returned from taking her daughter to hospital at about 10pm.

She said: "I was shocked. You don't see or hear about things like that happening round here - it's a quiet residential area.

"My kids are scared and I'm scared too because I feel I can't let them go out now."

There have been no arrests.

Anyone with information should call (020) 82177377 or Crimestoppers anonymously on (0800) 555111.

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