A MAN has been charged with the murder of the half-brother of Tottenham and England footballer Jermain Defoe.

Christopher Farley, 33, of Kingswood Road, Leytonstone was charged with the killing of Jade Defoe on April 28.

He is set to appear at Redbridge Magistrates' Court tomorrow (April 29).

Father-of-three Mr Defoe, 26, also known by his middle name Gavin, was beaten in broad daylight in Walnut Gardens, on the Stratford/Leytonstone border at about 5pm on April 20.

He died of serious head injuries on April 24, a post mortem at East Ham mortuary confirmed.

A 28-year-old man was also arrested and bailed on April 21 on suspicion of perverting the course of justice in connection with the attack and was re-arrested after Mr Defoe died.

He has since been bailed and is set to return next month.

A police spokesman said: “We do not believe a weapon was used during the assault.

“We retain an open mind as to any motive and inquiries continue to establish the full circumstances of the incident.”

Mr Defoe lived in Forest Gate with his wife and was well known as a ‘grime’ rapper under the name Esco Bars.

Thousands of friends and fans have joined tribute groups on social networking site Facebook to pass on messages of condolence to his family.

Serene Power wrote: “I miss the days you went in to my brother’s studio to make tunes. You were always a part of the Power household and it hurts to see another young talented person die.”

Sarah Willer added: “I really don’t know what to say - you will be sadly missed by many you have left behind.”

A tribute programme was also broadcast on Logan Sama's show on Kiss Radio on April 27.

Jermain Defoe did not travel with his Spurs teammates for Saturday’s match against Manchester United following the death.

A statement on the Spurs website said: “Our thoughts are with Jermain and his family at this sad time.

“The club will be giving him both time and support whilst respecting his and his family’s privacy.”

Jermain Defoe also recently helped to launch the latest Kickz programme, an initiative set up to help keep teenagers away from violence and crime by encouraging them to participate in sport.

The launch took place at the Kelmscott Leisure Centre in Walthamstow.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the incident room on 8345 3715 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111