27/07/2007

Shot boxer dies

The life support machine keeping a former British heavyweight boxing champion alive since he was shot in the head has been switched off.

James Oyebola, 47, was shot in the head and leg in a courtyard at the Chateau 6 club in Fulham Road, southwest London, in the early hours of Monday morning.

It is understood that Mr Oyebola went to the club around 11pm on Sunday for a drink with the owner after finishing work at a nearby bar.

He was shot shortly after 1am after he stepped in to help staff who had asked three men to put out their cigarettes.

Doctors declared Mr Oyebola brain dead on Thursday, but he was kept alive in order for family members to pay their last respects.

Doctors said that Mr Oyebola died at 12:39pm after his life support machine was turned off.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Wilson said: "This is now a murder inquiry and we need the people who were in the club that night to come forward as they may have information that could help us piece together what happened last Sunday night."

Three men, described as black and aged between 19 and 25, were seen apparently fleeing from the scene after the shooting.

Police have appealed for anyone with any information about the shooting to contact police on:L 0208 733 4704 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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