A man has appeared before magistrates charged with murder following the discovery of a body, believed to be that of an Upper Norwood landlord reported missing for several days.

Kevin McKnight, 23, of Lambert Road, Brixton, appeared before Camberwell Green magistrates, charged with the murder of Lorenzo Bussetti, 55. McKnight is due to appear for a further hearing, at the Old Bailey, on September 23.

Police launched a murder inquiry after the body was found in London Fields park, Hackney, at 6.30pm, on Wednesday, September 11.

The discovery followed a nationwide appeal for help in tracing Mr Bussetti, launched after he did not return home.

Mr Bussetti's wife and children had expected him to return home on Friday, September 6.

Police had been particularly concerned for his safety as a "family man," whose disappearance was completely out of character.

A post-mortem confirmed the victim died from gun shot wounds to the head and abdomen. As the Guardian went to press, police were awaiting the formal identification of the body.

Police are continuing their appeal for witnesses.

Senior investigating officer Det Chief Insp Paul McAleenan, said: "I would urge anyone that saw Mr Bussetti at around 12pm on Friday or at any time since then to contact police immediately.

"I would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who saw a blue, G registration, Bedford Midi van being driven in a fast or erratic manner, between Friday afternoon and the early hours of Saturday morning, in the Brixton area."

Mr Bussetti was white, 6ft 1in, of medium build, with short, receding, silver-grey hair. He wore glasses and was last seen wearing blue jeans and a polo shirt.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 020 8247 8265 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.