A man found dead in Battersea on Monday has been named.

Police launched a murder investigation after Richard Ward, 37, was found near St John's Hill at around 11.45pm.

A post-mortem yesterday at St George's Mortuary gave cause of death as head injuries.

Police believe that Mr Ward may been assaulted by a number of suspects on Severus Road - off St John's Hill - and been left seriously injured.

An incident room has opened under DCI Cliff Lyons (HSCC) DCI Lyons said: "We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area of Severus Road and St John's Hill SW11 between 22:00hrs and midnight. Local people may have seen or heard something that could help the investigation.

"We are still trying to establish the circumstances of this incident and want to hear from anyone who has information."

St John's Hill in Battersea has now been re-opened and cordons removed. Severus Road remains cordoned off while officers continue to investigate.

Wandsworth Borough Commander, Gerry Campbell, said: "We will not tolerate violence against any person and are aware of the impact this violence can have on our communities.

"Our priority is to bring to justice those responsible for this attack and to prevent any further incidents from occurring.

"Wandsworth borough police will be fully supporting this murder investigation working closely with detectives and reassuring our local communities."

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8721 4961, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111