Man, 25, charged with murder of father of four shot 'in a case of mistaken identity'

A man has been charged with the murder of a father of four gunned down in a "case of mistaken identity" in London, police have said.

Taylor Purdy, 25, of southeast London, is accused of the murder of Dean Edwards, 43, in Penge in the early hours of 12 July.

The father of four was shot in the back of the head as he was leaving Betts Park after meeting friends for a drink, Met Police said.

Mr Edwards crossed the park and was walking down an alleyway near his home when he was shot with a 9mm pistol. His lifeless body was discovered at about 2am, a spokesman added.

Mr Edwards, who was also a grandfather of six, had no criminal record - and detectives think he was targeted by mistake.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran said previously: "We believe this is a case of mistaken identity.

"There is nothing in Dean's life, background, family and friends, or in the pubs he visited earlier that evening that indicate he's had a row or argument - nothing.

"Nobody has a bad word to say about Dean. This case - with Dean being an innocent victim - has a particular impetus."

Mr Edwards' daughter Hollie, 21, paid tribute to him, saying: "Our dad was a friendly, bubbly and loving person.

"He was never confrontational and hated arguments, he was a big softie at heart, loved all the grandchildren and spoiled them. He was a good, innocent person."

The date of Purdy's court appearance is yet to be decided.