UPDATE: Head of record label shot in Battersea on Christmas Eve may have had criminal links in Sweden

Police believe a record label head shot dead in front of his wife and child on Christmas Eve may have been killed over an underground feud.

Detectives say they are consulting their Swedish counterparts over whether victim Flamur Beqiri – a Swede of Albanian heritage – had any criminal links in his homeland.

His family have now spoken out over their grief at what happened.

In a statement, his family said they were in “shock and grieving” and asked for their privacy to be respected.

Mr Beqiri’s family added: “We thank everyone for their kind thoughts and condolences.

“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.”

Mr Beqiri, 36, was gunned down yards from where Prince George goes to school.

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

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

Mr Beqiri – who was on the way home with his wife and young child from a party – was yards from his front door when he was shot.

Detective Inspector Jamie Stevenson, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “We believe Flamur may possibly have been involved in some criminality in Sweden, and are in liaison with our Swedish counterparts to try to understand what, if any, incidents there may have been that might have led to someone seeking retribution against Flamur in the UK.”

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.

DI Stevenson added: “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.