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Man shot on Christmas Eve was killed in front of family, police say Man shot dead in front of family on Christmas Eve named as Flamur Beqiri
(about 4 hours later)
Officers ask for information after 36-year-old shot near his home in Battersea, London Officers ask for information after Swedish 36-year-old shot near his home in Battersea, London
A man shot dead on Christmas Eve was killed in front of his family as they returned home from a night out, police have said. A man shot dead on Christmas Eve in front of his family as they returned home from a night out has been named by police.
Metropolitan police detectives are continuing to appeal for information after the 36-year-old was fatally shot close to his home in Battersea, south-west London. Swedish national Flamur Beqiri was killed at about 9pm in Battersea, south-west London, Metropolitan police said. Police were called after reports of shots being fired but Beqiri was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police were called to reports of shots being fired in Battersea Church Road at about 9pm and found a man with gunshot wounds. Scotland Yard is continuing to appeal for information after the 36-year-old’s death. DCI Jamie Stevenson said: “Our investigation is in the very early stages and we are still working to establish what the motive could be that has led to a man losing his life in such a horrific way, on Christmas Eve, in front of his family.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, Scotland Yard said.
DCI Jamie Stevenson said: “Our investigation is in the very early stages and we are still working to establish what the motive could be that has led to a man losing his life in such a horrific way, on Christmas Eve, in front of his family.
“They have been devastated by this horrible event and are being supported by specialist officers.“They have been devastated by this horrible event and are being supported by specialist officers.
“We know that the victim was returning home with his wife and young child following an evening out, when he was shot just yards from his home.“We know that the victim was returning home with his wife and young child following an evening out, when he was shot just yards from his home.
“The assailant then fled on foot in the direction of Battersea Bridge Road.”“The assailant then fled on foot in the direction of Battersea Bridge Road.”
The death is believed to be the 142nd killing in London in 2019, the highest number in a calendar year since 2008. Beqiri’s death is believed to be the 142nd killing in London in 2019, the highest number in a calendar year since 2008.
Last year, there were 141 police-recorded homicides in the capital, according to Home Office statistics.Last year, there were 141 police-recorded homicides in the capital, according to Home Office statistics.
Stevenson urged anyone who saw someone fleeing the scene or loitering in the area before the attack to contact the police.Stevenson urged anyone who saw someone fleeing the scene or loitering in the area before the attack to contact the police.
Scotland Yard said no arrests had been made, with formal identification and a postmortem examination still to take place. Scotland Yard said no arrests had been made.
People living near the scene of the shooting had described hearing gunshots followed by a woman screaming “desperately” for help.People living near the scene of the shooting had described hearing gunshots followed by a woman screaming “desperately” for help.
Vittoria Amati, 60, said she heard “eight to 10” gunshots fired in quick succession.Vittoria Amati, 60, said she heard “eight to 10” gunshots fired in quick succession.
She said: “I then heard the screams of the wife. I came out and realised it was one of my neighbours.She said: “I then heard the screams of the wife. I came out and realised it was one of my neighbours.
“He was lying in front of his doorway in a pool of blood. He was still alive. We were really hoping he would make it.“He was lying in front of his doorway in a pool of blood. He was still alive. We were really hoping he would make it.
“You have no idea how desperate she [his wife] sounded.”“You have no idea how desperate she [his wife] sounded.”
Amati said a young woman who identified herself as a nurse helped the victim and applied pressure to his wounds. Amati said a young woman who identified herself as a nurse helped Beqiri and applied pressure to his wounds.
A 24-year-old man, who also lives nearby and did not want to be named, said at one point there were about 10 people gathered outside trying to call 999.A 24-year-old man, who also lives nearby and did not want to be named, said at one point there were about 10 people gathered outside trying to call 999.
Supt Richard Smith, of the south-west command unit, said: “There is no suggestion that there is any ongoing risk to members of the local community in Battersea.”Supt Richard Smith, of the south-west command unit, said: “There is no suggestion that there is any ongoing risk to members of the local community in Battersea.”