MURDER CITY: Man charged after death of man in Lewisham on Sunday

A MAN has been charged following the launch of a murder investigation in Lewisham.

Christopher Baptiste, 53, of Loampit Vale, Lewisham, south London, was charged on Monday, 15 August with murder.

He will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court today on Tuesday, 16 August.

On the morning of Sunday, 14 August, police received a report of a deceased man in a residential property on Loampit Vale.

Officers attended the address alongside London Ambulance Service and a man, believed to be 36-year-old Sonny Booty, was pronounced dead at the scene.

His next of kin have been informed. Formal identification awaits.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John said: "I appreciate there is a lot of concern among local people following this tragic incident.

"While our enquiries are at a very early stage, I am satisfied that there is no wider risk to the community. A man has been charged and we are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

"Anyone who feels they might have information that could help us get to the bottom of what has happened here should contact us immediately."

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, lead for policing in Lewisham said: "Our thoughts are with the deceased and his family following this terrible incident.

"My officers remain on scene and will be around in the coming days to reassure the public and support our colleagues in Specialist Crime as they work to establish the chain of events that have led to a man losing his life.

"Anyone who has any concerns, or information that could help us, should approach those officers and tell them what you know; no matter how insignificant it might seem, you may have information that could be very important."

If you have information that could help, call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 2486/14Aug.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.