In a statement, police said that at approximately 2am on Sunday, they responded to “multiple 911 calls” regarding shots fired.

“Officers assisted with rendering aid until paramedics arrived on scene Dr Willson was transported to a local trauma centre where he succumbed to his injuries.”

The statement added: “This incident appears to be a random act involving individuals participating in the reckless discharge of firearm(s) which led to the tragic death of Dr. Willson.”

Police have offered a cash reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest. None have been made so far.

Maps of the area suggest that the bullet could have travelled as far as 500 metres through a thicket of trees. Usually, pistols are only accurate to around 100 metres, but this does not appear to be a targeted shooting and rounds can remain deadly for much further than their accurate range.

Rifles, which are legal in Georgia, can be accurate up to 500 metres.

Atlanta has been plagued by gun violence for years, with 750 shooting incidents reported in 2021, but Sgt Kissel said that Brookhaven was “generally a safe area.”

A Foreign Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in the USA, and are in contact with US authorities.”