Murder charge after body found in derelict building in Lewisham

A man has been charged with murder after the body of a missing man was found in a derelict building in south-east London.

The Metropolitan Police said officers searching a property in Brockley Road, Lewisham, on 19 September discovered the body of Junior Ryan Coleman. The 34-year-old had been reported missing on 20 August.

A post-mortem examination found he had died from blunt force trauma to the head and a murder inquiry was launched.

Daniel Watkis, 39, of Glenarm Road, Hackney, was charged on Friday and appeared the same day at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, where he was remanded in custody, the Met said.

Det Ch Insp Sam Townsend, who is leading the investigation, 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 death.

“We’re appealing to anyone who knew Junior to come forward, especially if you had seen him in the summer months.”

Mr Watkis is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 24 October.