The heartbroken mother of a five-year-old boy who died of head injuries after he was allegedly beaten in a city park today described him as being her 'little angel'.

Little Alex Malcolm suffered head injuries while playing in Mountsfield Park, Catford, at around 6pm on November 20.

The five-year-old was admitted to King's College Hospital that evening and police were called at 1.45am the next day.

Little Alex Malcolm suffered head injuries while playing in Mountsfield Park, Catford, at around 6pm on November 20. The five-year-old was admitted to King's College Hospital but died in intensive care the next day

Malcom died on November 21 in intensive care.

A 38-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

His mother Liliya Breha, who lives in Bromley, told the Evening Standard: 'I'm heartbroken, I miss him. I really struggle because he shouldn't have been taken away from me. He was my best friend.'

Breha described her son as 'beautiful, kind and gentle', always generous with his toys and sweets and popular with his classmates.

A Year 1 pupil at Archbishop Sumner CofE primary school in Kennington, he enjoyed going on trips around London and visiting parks.

Last year Malcolm played an angel in a nativity play and had recently completed a portfolio to begin child modelling.

His mum also told how much the little boy loved school and was always first at the gates and wanting to impress the teachers.

He was 'perfect,' she wept, 'he shouldn't have been taken away from me'.

His mother Liliya Breha, who lives in Bromley, told the Evening Standard: 'I'm heartbroken, I miss him. I really struggle because he shouldn't have been taken away from me. He was my best friend'

Family friend, Sarosé Burnley, also told the Standard that Breha's bond with Alex was 'super strong. She doted on him.'

The 'broken' mother now hopes to set up a charity in memory of her son and will plant a tree as a memorial, as agreed with the school.

Police have yet to release his body so the family have not been able to arrange his funeral.

Marvyn Iheanacho, 38, of Hounslow, appeared in custody at Woolwich crown court yesterday charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.