Man shot dead in front of family on Christmas Eve named by police
26 December 2019, 11:55
Flamur Beqiri was shot dead on his front door step as he and his family returned home from a Christmas Eve night out, police have confirmed.
The 36-year-old Swedish national was fatally shot just metres from his home in Battersea, south-west London.
Police were called to reports of gunshots being fired in in Battersea Church Road at about 9pm.
They found the man with gunshot wounds, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, Scotland Yard said.
Neighbours living near the scene of the shooting had described hearing multiple gunshots followed by a woman screaming "desperately" for help.
Vittoria Amati, 60, said she heard between "eight to 10" gunshots fired in quick succession.
Mrs Amati told the PA news agency: "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.
"You have no idea how desperate she (his wife) sounded."
Mrs Amati said a young woman who identified herself as a nurse helped the victim 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.
Detective Chief Inspector 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.
"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."
DCI Stevenson urged anyone who saw someone fleeing the scene or loitering in the area before the attack to contact the police.
The death is the 142nd homicide in London in 2019, the highest number since 2008.
Last year, there were 141 police-recorded homicides in the capital, according to Home Office statistics.
Scotland Yard said no arrests have been made, and his identity has not yet been announced.
Superintendent 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."
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.
