Man charged with murder after body found in derelict Lewisham building

A man has been charged with murder after police found the body of Junior Ryan Coleman, who had been missing for a month, in a derelict building in south-east London.

Mr Coleman was reported missing on August 20, and his body was found by officers in Lewisham on September 19, as part of a missing person investigation. Police were searching the derelict building on Brockley Road at about 8.17am when the body was located.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Coleman died from blunt force trauma to the head, and a murder inquiry was launched the day after the discovery. The Metropolitan Police said the investigation is ongoing as officers seek to establish the exact circumstances surrounding his disappearance and death.

Daniel Watkis, 39, of Hackney, was arrested on Thursday and charged on Friday with murder. He was remanded in custody at Bromley Magistrates' Court and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 24.

Coleman’s family are receiving support from specialist officers, and detectives continue to appeal for information to help establish what happened in the months leading to his death. Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend, who is leading the inquiry, said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Junior during this difficult time. My team are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances of Junior's disappearance and his murder. We're appealing to anyone who knew Junior to come forward, especially if you had seen him in the summer months. If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please get in touch."

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them on 101 or online, quoting CAD 1574/19SEP, or call the incident room on 020 8721 4961. Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.