Man shot on doorstep in Christmas Eve murder
SLAYING The victim’s home
A MAN was shot dead on the doorstep of his £1.5million home in a Christmas Eve execution, witnesses have said.
The victim, described by neighbours as Eastern European, was reportedly shot multiple times after answering his door at 8.45pm on Tuesday.
A health worker who lives opposite ran to give first aid as other people, believed to be the victim’s family, gathered around.
GUNSHOTS
Julian Stratton, 51, who was at his parents’ home near the scene in Battersea, South West London, said a neighbour witnessed the killing.
He said: “He told us there was a knock at the door... then five gunshots.
“Four – ‘bang, bang, bang, bang’ – then a pause before the final shot.”
Omar Seikaly, 35, a caterer who lives several doors down from the victim’s house, said: “This is a pretty hot area.
“There was a stabbing nearby not long ago.”
It is the capital’s 150th murder of 2019, the highest number in 11 years.
A Met Police officer confirmed that a murder probe had been launched.
CAROLINE Flack is full of festive cheer as she enjoys a coffee while shopping on Christmas Eve – despite a court ban on seeing boyfriend Lewis Burton.
The ex-Love Island host was bailed by magistrates the day before, after she denied hitting Lewis, 27, over the head with a lamp while he slept.
Caroline, 40, was set to spend Christmas day volunteering at a dinner for isolated residents in East London.
She is due to stand trial next March.
A SENTIMENTAL signet ring that belonged to Tony Britton disappeared while he was in hospital, his son said.
TV presenter Fern Britton revealed her dad, the “great actor, director and charmer” who starred in BBC sitcom Don’t Wait Up, had died at the age of 95 on Sunday.
Her half-brother Jasper Britton described the disappearance of the ring – designed by his mother – as an “unbearable loss” and offered a reward.
Tony’s film credits included Operation Amsterdam, Sunday Bloody Sunday and The Day of the Jackal.
The ring went missing while he was in Watford General hospital in the spring but Jasper only found out now.
“It’s engraved with TB and drama masks. I’ll buy it back no questions asked. It holds such value to the family,” Jasper said. “He wore it in everything he did.”
A spokeswoman for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We very much hope that ring does reappear.”
Britton served in the Army and worked in an aircraft factory during the Second World War. He began in amateur dramatics before turning professional.
He had children Fern and scriptwriter Cherry Britton with wife Ruth Hawkins.
Fern with father Tony, and the ring
His second wife was sculptor Eva Castle Britton and Jasper is their son.