New Year pub shooting victim was protecting his father

The son of a pub landlord was shot dead on New Year's Day while protecting his father, it emerged today.

Darren Deslandes, 34, was hit in the head when a gunman opened fire after a private party at the Newton Arms pub in Thornton Heath.

His 26-year-old brother, Junior, remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital today. He was also shot in the head but doctors believe he will survive. Detectives say the gunman had been ejected from the family-run pub after a punch-up at a New Year's Eve party for mostly friends and family. He returned in a dark-coloured 4x4 as people were leaving and walked up to the bar to confront the brothers and their father, before stepping back and pulling a gun from his waistband. The brothers came out to tackle him but were shot by the gunman, who then fled.

Friends of the brothers said they had been protecting their family, including their father Wintworth. Writing on a Facebook tribute site, Kevin McKenzie described Darren Deslandes as a "perfect gentleman." He added: "Junior be strong, we are all here for you and your family in this difficult time. You will never be alone."

Police describe the victims as "respected" and say the pub was not a known troublespot. A manhunt has been launched for the killer and an all ports and airports alert issued.