Ex-boxer dies after bar shooting

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Family and friends of Mr Oyebola, 47, of north west London, had gathered at his bedside to pay their last respects.

He suffered terrible head injuries after being shot during a row over smoking at a west London bar. Scotland Yard said their investigation into the shooting is now a murder inquiry and urged witnesses to come forward.

A police spokesman said Mr Oyebola was pronounced dead by medical staff at New Charing Cross Hospital at 12.39pm.

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. James' family are devastated. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to police and assist us in bringing those responsible for murdering James to justice."

Officers from Operation Trident carried out searches of three addresses in Wandsworth in connection with the investigation.

Mr Oyebola was injured after asking three men to stop smoking in a covered courtyard area at the rear of Chateau 6 in Fulham Road. The 6ft 9ins former British heavyweight champion was shot in the head and leg during the incident in the early hours of Monday.

Four shots were fired, but no weapon has been found. No one has been arrested in connection with the incident.

Mr Oyebola's family later announced that his name would live on in a charity foundation aimed at keeping young people off the streets.

In a statement, they said: "Big James was a fighter to the end and his legacy will live on in a charity foundation in his name to keep kids off the streets. Further details of this charity will be released in the near future."