Forensic teams are combing a south London flat where a 78 year old man's murdered body was found with head injuries.

Flowers were laid at the scene in Southwark as neighbours described him as a "lovely man".

Police were called at approximately 11.55am on Wednesday to reports of an unresponsive man found in the Pynfolds Estate - an estate between Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.

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Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but the man, aged 78, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The forensic team and detectives were present today further investigating the circumstances into the death.

Two neighbours have identified the alleged victim as Mustafa a man from Turkey who is thought to have two sons living there.

None of the closer by neighbours were at home at the time and only witnessed police and emergency services present when they returned.

Two other neighbours said they did not hear anything that could be described as suspicious.

Two sets of flowers and a candle were placed outside his door.

Mustafa lived in a ground floor corner flat of the estate which is accessible by the main entrance from the car park and from Jamaica Road via the patio and a glass door.

A special post mortem examination which took place on Thursday, 13 May established the cause of death as a head injury.

One woman, who declined to be named, said: "He was a lovely man who didn't speak much English.

"I don't think he had many friends or family in the UK.

"I would only ever see him sitting outside in the summer or coming back from the shops. He was very nice, would say hello, and come over and pat the dog.

"I can't believe something awful happened.

"I came back around 2pm and all I saw was police and the ambulance. I didn't know anything about any murder until today.

"I think he has two sons - both living in Turkey. I think Mustafa had a house out there as well.

"I don't know why he would come and live here if he had a house in Turkey."

Another woman, who also declined to be named, said: "I have no idea what happened. I have no idea. I came back from work at the hospital and it was mad.

"The police must think something suspicious happened or they wouldn't be here.

"His name was Mustafa. I don't know his last name.

"He was a nice, pleasant man. He just went about his business. He never had any problems.

"He was retired, an old man, didn't work. I don't know too much about him.

"We all keep ourselves to ourselves here. It was just pleasantries."

A Scotland Yard police spokesman said: "A murder investigation is underway following the death of a man in Southwark.

"Police were called at approximately 11:55hrs on Wednesday, 12 May to reports of an unresponsive man found at an address in Jamaica Road, SE16.

"Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but the man, aged 78, was pronounced dead at the scene.

"A special post mortem examination which took place on Thursday, 13 May established cause of death as a head injury.

"While police believe they know the identity of the deceased, enquiries continue to inform next of kin; formal identification awaits.

"There have been no arrests; enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing."