A man found dying near Clapham Junction station on Monday night was just a few hundred metres from his home.

Richard Ward, 37, who was found dead near St John's Hill at around 11.45pm, lived in a Victorian ground-floor flat in upmarket Buckmaster Road.

This morning a solitary bunch of flowers had been laid outside the door.

Police have launched a murder investigation and a post-mortem examination yesterday gave the cause of death as head injuries.

It is believed Mr Ward may have been assaulted and left for dead by a number of people on Severus Road - off St John's Hill.

St John's Hill in Battersea has now been re-opened and cordons removed. Severus Road remains cordoned off while officers continue to investigate Today neighbours expressed shock at his death and concern about crime and safety in Battersea.

One said: "I was around Clapham Junction at the same and it all seemed fine. It feels like I'm living in London."

Another man who last saw Mr Ward a month ago said "he kept himself to himself" and he could often hear loud music coming from Mr Ward's flat.

Others said it was something they came to expect living in the area.

Alexa Chaffer, a resident in Severus Road said yesterday: "I came out of my house and I was in a crime scene. The road was taped off and there was a big tent.

"It has made me worried about going out on my own at night."

An incident room has opened under DCI Cliff Lyons.

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."

.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