HARROWING details of the Spotlight nightclub shootings in Croydon in the early hours of Saturday, October 2, have emerged.

Contrary to initial police estimates that 50-60 people were in the club, it appears now that "well in excess of 100 people" were packed into the premises, with terrified clubbers hurrying past or even stepping over the prostrate body of victim Mark Warmington to get away from the firing.

Warmington, 39, died at the scene.

"The investigating team is still piecing together the exact circumstances," Detective Chief Inspector Ashley Sharp said in a police press conference on Friday. "It appears that the initial shots were fired in the dance floor area of the nightclub this is where two of the casualties were hit.

"It then appears that Mark Warmington was shot in the proximity of the front door as an exit route was being sought."

Warmington was employed as a doorman at the Spotlight, and in a statement his family said: "We speak on behalf of Mark's mother when we say Mark came from a very loving and close family.

"Mark was dearly loved by us. We believe that Mark would not be involved in any gun crime We would encourage all to co-operate with their (the police) enquiries in the hope that his killer will be brought to justice."

In a passionate plea the wife of Rufus Edwards, the 34-year-old man also killed at the Spotlight, echoed the call for people to come forward.

"If you have heard anything, no matter how small, please, please contact the police in confidence and help bring his killer to justice before another family's lives are shattered," she said.

Lee Jasper, Chair of Trident Independent Advisory Group, offered condolences on behalf of the Group, and commented, "These brutal murders, having taken place in a packed nightclub, show a callous disregard for public safety. Those who carry guns do so with deadly intent.

"We must as a community reject these men of violence and provide police with any information we have about this incident or those who bully and intimidate our communities with weapons."

The third victim of the shootings, a 34-year-old Croydon man, remains in hospital.

Police still need to trace a number of people who were in the nightclub at the time of the shootings, if only to eliminate them from further enquiries.

Witnesses are asked to call 0208 247 4554, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.