Brave bouncer shot saving clubber

1:18pm Tuesday 17th July 2007

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A brave bouncer was killed as he dived to protect a woman as shots were fired outside a Wandsworth bar.

Kolawole Ojo Babadiya, known as Kola, died after being shot with what is believed to be a submachine gun in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Witnesses say at least 10 shots were fired into a crowd of clubbers celebrating a birthday at the club.

It is believed Mr Babadiya died after he dived to save a woman who was smoking outside.

The 28-year-old and another man were found by police outside the SW8 bar in Wandsworth Road, after reports of a shooting.

Both men were taken to a south London hospital where Mr Babadiya, a bouncer at the club, died at 8.25am.

The second man is in a stable condition.

Detective Chief Inspector Adnan Qureshi, of Operation Trident which is investigating the shooting, said: "This is an appalling loss of another young life, and I would appeal to the local community for their assistance in bringing the person(s) responsible for the death of Kola to justice.

"Were you in the area at the time of the incident? Maybe travelling on a bus nearby or passing along Wandsworth Road? I would urge anyone with information to come forward, and contact the incident room on 020 8247 4554 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111. All information will be treated in the strictest of confidence."

• Do you know the woman Mr Babadiya saved? Call the newsdesk on 020 8330 9555.