Murder investigation after missing man found dead in derelict building

Undated family handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Junior Ryan Coleman, whose body was found in a derelict building in south-east London. Coleman was reported missing on August 20 and his body was found by officers on September 19, according to the Metropolitan Police. Officers were searching the building at around 8.17am in Brockley Road, Lewisham, as a part of a missing person investigation. Issue date: Saturday September 27, 2025. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Family Handout/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: This handout photo may only be used in for editorial reporting purposes for the contemporaneous illustration of events, things or the people in the image or facts mentioned in the caption. Reuse of the picture may require further permission from the copyright holder.
Handout photo issued by the Metropolitan Police of Junior Ryan Coleman, whose body was found in a derelict building in south-east London (Picture: Met Police/PA)

A man has been charged with murder after a missing person was found dead in a derelict building.

Junior Ryan Coleman, 43, was reported missing on August 20 and his body was found in Brockley Road, Lewisham, southeast London, a month later, on September 19.

A post-mortem examination revealed he died from a blunt force trauma to his head and a murder probe was launched the following day.

Daniel Watkis, 39, of Hackney, was arrested on Thursday and charged on Friday before being remanded in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court.

He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on October 24.

Mr Coleman’s family are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Sam Townsend, leading the investigation, said: ‘Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Junior during this difficult time.

‘My team are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances of Junior’s disappearance and his murder.

‘We’re appealing to anyone who knew Junior to come forward, especially if you had seen him in the summer months.

‘If you have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please get in touch. It could be crucial to our investigation.’

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