The borough's top policeman has reassured the Battersea community his detectives are working "very hard" to find the killer of teenage rapper Kyle McDonald.

McDonald, 19, from Fulham, was shot in the head at close range as he walked with a friend along Musjid Close, near York Road, Battersea, at 7.51pm last Wednesday, September 18.

The teenager is understood to have staggered 50 yards to Fawcett Close before eventually collapsing in Coppock Close.

The murder sparked anger among McDonald's friends at the murder scene who accused police of not doing enough in the immediate aftermath of his death.

But almost a week on from the shooting, and with no arrest in sight, Acting Borough Commander Paul McGregor has spoken out to reassure the public that his officers are following up every possible lead.

He said: "We would like to reassure our community that the police are working very hard to find out who is responsible.

"Detectives have launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses following the incident in Battersea and extra police officers are out patrolling local areas."

The officer leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Bonner, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC), has again appealed to the cmmunity for information.

He said: "We are still in the early stages of the investigation and are carrying out a number of enquires into the circumstances of this incident.

"I am keen to establish if there was anyone in the area who saw or heard anything suspicious.

"I'm appealing for anyone who has any information no matter how small to please come forward and help us with our inquiry."

"We retain an open mind regarding the circumstances of the incident and any motive at this early stage."

Ambulances and paramedics arrived at the scene ahortly before 8pm but the teenager was pronounced dead at 8.14pm.

A post-mortem examination held at St George's Hospital on Friday (September 20) gave the cause of death as a single gunshot wound.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may assist police is asked to contact detectives on 020 8358 0200 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

 

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