A retired fireman has been charged with bludgeoning to death his adopted son, whose body was found by police stashed in the boot of a car. 

Colin McSweeny, 58, of Parry Road, South Norwood, is set to stand trial in June next year for the murder Shaun McSweeny, discovered by officers called to reports of a man trying to dump a body in the River Thames at 3am on Friday.

The 24-year-old, who had a young daughter and a girlfriend, was pronounced dead where he was found near Deptford Wharf. 

A post-mortem examination established he was killed by a blunt force to the head.

Flowers and tributes have been left outside the former Croydon College student's family home.

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Flowers have been left outside Shaun McSweeny's family home

One card, signed by Mark, said: "Shaun, I'm going to miss you man! You were such a nice bloke. You didn't deserve this. I'm never going to forget you". 

Another read: "To our beloved Shaun, RIP you legend". 

A friend, who studied an entry-level construction course at Croydon College with Shaun in 2009, said he seemed excited about becoming a father and wanted to follow in his adoptive dad's footsteps as a firefighter.

The 22-year-old, who asked not to be named, said: "His partner at the time was pregnant and he was really excited about being a dad. 

"He got her name tattooed on his arm straight away, as soon as she was born. He was a good dad."

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Police were called to Deptford Wharf on Friday after reports of a man trying to dump a body in the Thames

"He was just a real genuine, happy guy. He lived his life. He'd have fun. We were good pals. We used to go to the pub a lot and just be boys. He was just a calm, chilled lad." 

He added: "He wasn't going to mess about. He was quite serious and had a plan, or seemed like he did anyway. At the time he wanted to be a fireman and was going through the application forms."

Police arrested Colin McSweeny on Friday morning after being called to Deptford Wharf at around 3am. They charged him with murder later that day. 

A woman arrested in South Norwood on Friday was released without charge.

Mr McSweeny appeared at the Old Bailey this morning, when he was remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing  on February 10.

A provisional trial date has been set for June 1.