Christmas Eve shooting: Family of man shot on Battersea doorstep are in ‘shock’

The family of the man shot to death in front of his wife and young child on Christmas Eve have said they are “in a state of shock”.

Flamur Beqiri, 36, is thought to have been killed in a targeted attack and may have criminal links in Sweden, according to police.

The Swedish national was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot in Battersea Church Road, southwest London, at about 9pm on Christmas Eve.

He was shot “multiple times” by a lone suspect who fled the scene on foot, the Met Police have said.

Speaking for the first time, the victim’s family said: “We thank everyone for their kind thoughts and condolences. Our family are in a state of shock and are grieving.

“To have so much sadness at this time of the year is heartbreaking. We would kindly ask that you respect our privacy and let us grieve in peace.”

Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson said officers are “making good progress” in their investigation but urged anyone who may know something or could have seen something to come forward.

He added: “”Flamur’s family, his wife and very young child, bore witness to this horrific attack and are coming to terms with having their world turned upside down. I ask that their privacy is respected at this terrible time.”

The force also said it was liaising with Swedish counterparts over possible links to criminality in the country.

Mr Stevenson said: “Work is ongoing to determine what the possible motive could be, and while we retain an open mind, we are considering that this is a targeted attack.

“While I am mindful of concerns from the local community, we do not believe at this stage that there is any ongoing risk to members of the public.”

No arrests have been made. Police say they believe the assailant fled on foot in the direction of Battersea Bridge Road.

Neighbour Vittoria Amati, 60, said: “I was watching television when I heard this round of shots. One after the other, very quickly. There was between eight to 10 of them.

“I knew it was a shooting and I didn’t want to come out because I was scared it might not be safe.

“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.”

According to media reports, Mr Beqiri is the brother of former Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Misse Beqiri. He met his now wife at his sister’s wedding.

It is the 142nd homicide identified by the PA news agency in London in 2019 – the highest number in a calendar year since 2008.

Last year there were 141 police-recorded homicides in the capital.

Anyone with information can confidentially call 101 and quote CAD 6410/24Dec, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

More follows…

(c) Sky News 2019: Christmas Eve shooting: Family of man shot on Battersea doorstep are in ‘shock’