Britain: A Nigerian-born boxer was shot after asking three black men to stop smoking in a wine bar

This is London:

James Oyebola, 47, was having a drink in the garden area of the venue when a dispute erupted over the new smoking ban.

One of the men pulled out a gun and fired at point-blank range into his face and leg.

Mr Oyebola, a father of two, was critically ill last night on a life support machine. His partner of 15 years and their children are keeping a vigil at his bedside.

The 6ft 9in ex-boxer, known as Big Bad, had been working as a bouncer at the door of another club and had dropped in at Chateau 6 in Fulham, South-West London, for a drink with the owner, who was a friend.

Witnesses said Nigerian-born Mr Oyebola had politely stepped in to help staff who had asked the three men to observe the smoking ban. One said: 'He wasn't being aggressive. He pointed out that smoking was now against the law.

'He was just being a good citizen but the three saw it as a sign of disrespect. On their way out one pulled a gun and started firing at James.'

The suspects, said to be three black men, ran off after the shooting shortly before 1am on Monday. A handgun was found nearby.

Police sealed off the scene close to Fulham Broadway tube station.

Boxer shot over club smoking row

Boxing champion shot in the face after asking men to stop smoking