Thornton Heath man murdered at New Year's Eve pub party was shot in head, post mortem reveals

The man murdered at a Croydon New Year’s Eve party died from a gunshot wound to the head, a post mortem has revealed.

Darren Deslandes, 34, was shot dead at the Newton Arms pub in Queens Road, Thornton Heath, after a gunman opened fire at a private party.

Mr Deslandes and another 26-year-old man, believed to be a relative, were both taken to hospital but Mr Deslandes, the son of the pub’s landlord, died shortly afterwards.

The younger man remains in a critical but stable condition in hospital.

It is understood the gunman shot the men in revenge for being thrown out of the pub after causing trouble.

He fled in a dark coloured 4 x 4 vehicle and police are appealing for anyone who knows the gunman to come forward.

Yesterday tributes were made to Mr Deslandes online and left outside the Newton Arms.

The shooting happened a few streets away from the murder of Wesley Blake, a 27 year-old expectant father who was gunned down in St Saviour’s Road in May.

Operation Trident under DCI Gordon Allison is dealing with the incident and no arrests have been made.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8247 4554 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Did you know Mr Deslandes? Leave your tributes below?

Posted in: World News