A father-of-four who was shot dead in Catford has been named for the first time by his best friend.

Shaquille Graham, believed to be in his 30s, was shot in Catford Broadway at around 4.30am yesterday (March 10).

Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and found Shaquille injured and he was pronounced dead shortly after.

Luke Wilson has since paid tribute to his “best friend” describing him as “the nicest guy ever”, as reported by the Evening Standard.

The 31-year-old, who trains young boxers to keep them away from crime, said they attended a house music event at Silks, when Shaquille stepped outside with a girl and was shot.

Luke told the Evening Standard: “He lived for his family and was a great dad.

“I had been at the event with him, in fact I persuaded him to go because he loved house music.

“There was no problem during the evening at all.

“I had left when he was attacked and I regret I did not say goodbye properly because we see each other all the time anyway.

“Then I got the call that he was shot by someone in a car or on a bike.”

Luke said Shaquille was a “good soul” who was never involved in any trouble and did not deserve what happened to him.

He explained: “He was a bit fly and lots of fun but did not have a bad bone in him.

“He came from another area of London but he was loved around here.”

Luke is “devastated” by losing his best friend and says there is “no hope” for future generations if people like Shaquille are getting killed.

He added: “Some people live on the edge and become dangerously involved in gangs etc

“My friend was not one of those. He was no drug dealer. He was a figure of light someone people were drawn to.”

No arrests have been made following the incident.

Police are also in the process of informing Shaquille’s next of kin.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry responsible for policing in South East Command Unit which covers the Lewisham area said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the family and loved ones of this man who has lost his life in very tragic circumstances.

“The incident took place in a busy part of south London and I’m hopeful there will have been a number of witnesses who I would appeal to come forward.

“I know such a shocking incident will cause great concern in the community and want to reassure residents that we have assigned significant resources to this investigation.

“We also have officers patrolling the local area and I would urge those with concerns to talk to them. They are there to support you.”

Anyone with information is urged to call 101, quoting CAD1160/10Mar, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The News Shopper has contacted Metropolitan Police for further updates on the incident.