Ex-gangster's son 'assassinated'

The stepson of notorious former gangster Dave Courtney has been shot dead in a gangland-style assassination in south London.

Genson Courtney, 23, was shot as he sat in his car in a road in Greenwich last night. He was taken to hospital suffering gunshot wounds to the head and shoulder but died in the early hours today.

Dave Courtney, who was jailed in the Eighties for attacking five men with a meat cleaver, claims he was the model for Vinnie Jones's character Big Chris in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. This year it was reported that he had landed a £15 million deal to star in three Hollywood movies.

Scotland Yard said officers were called to Banning Street in Greenwich at 10.50pm last night after people reported hearing gunshots. Sources said Mr Courtney had been in a hire car and appeared to have been the victim of an attack by a single gunman who approached the car on foot. Detectives today appealed for witnesses.

Police are investigating Mr Courtney's background and recent associations. A spokeswoman said: "We are keeping an open mind about the motive."

Genson Courtney's stepfather claims he has been involved in debt-collecting, minding clubs, assault, contraband and murder. He has more recently become an actor and has had small roles in a number of gangster movies.