UPDATE: Head of record label shot dead in Battersea road close to scene of two other killings near Prince George’s School

A murder investigation has been launched following a shooting yards from where Prince George goes to school.

Police were called at approximately 9pm yesterday, Christmas Eve, to reports of shots fired in Battersea Church Road, Battersea.

Officers and paraedics found the victim suffering gunshot injuries; he was pronounced dead at the scene.

He has since been named as Flamur Beqiri, a Swedish national, aged 36 – who was on the way home with his wife and young child from a party and was yards from his front door when he was gunned down.

Mr Bequiri was co-founder and partner of record label 20/20 Records which has offices in London and Stockholm. The independent label, previously called Fantabulous Music, was founded in 2008.

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

There have been no arrests.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Stevenson, of the Specialist Crime Command, is leading the investigation. He 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.

“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 attack took place at 9pm in the evening. Not only would many people have been out going about their business, but I am sure many residents would have been alarmed by the sound of the disturbance and gone to see what had happened.

“Did you see a person fleeing the area? Where did they go, and what did they look like? Had you noticed anyone loitering in the area beforehand? We need any information you can give us – please contact us via 101 immediately and quote CAD 6410/24Dec. You will be spoken to in the strictest of confidence.”

Superintendent Richard Smith, of the South West Command Unit, said:

“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life in such tragic circumstances on Christmas Eve. Local officers are on duty across the bank holiday and are working closely with homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, to understand what happened and bring those responsible to justice. There is no suggestion that there is any ongoing risk to members of the local community in Battersea. Please do contact us if you have any concerns or information relating to this incident”.

Dominos delivery driver Lejean Richard, 19, was stabbed to death 100 yards away in Westbridge Road in February.

Another 100 yards from that spot, Malachi Brooks, 21, was stabbed to death in Surrey Lane, on March 28 2017. A £20,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a conviction.

Four males all wearing balaclavas and ace coverings pulled up in a vehicle in Surrey Lane – three got out and stabbed Malachi before jumping back in the car and speeding off.

The scenes of both killings are yards from where Prince George, aged five, attends £17,000-a-year Thomas’s School in Batteresea High Street.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 6410/24Dec. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.