The mother of a young boy murdered by her former convict boyfriend said she never suspected her partner's violence because the probation service was "lenient" with him.

Alex Malcolm, five, died after being battered in a park by Marvyn Iheanacho, who flew into a rage at the little boy for losing a trainer.

Alex suffered fatal head and stomach injuries and died in hospital two days after the attack in November 2016 in Catford.

Iheanacho, who had a string of previous convictions, including for attacks on ex-partners - was the partner of Alex's mother, Lilya Breha.

The couple met after his release from prison in summer 2016, but Ms Breha did not know what offences he had been convicted of.

Ms Breha, 32, told an inquest on Monday that she had some contact with the probation service before her son's death, but claimed they did not tell her of his violent history, or ask if she had any children.

She said the case workers would laugh and joke with Iheanacho on the phone, adding: "I could see how lenient they were with him and I never thought there were any serious problems."

Iheanacho was convicted of Alex's murder in 2017 and jailed for life with a minimum of 18 years - this was later increased to a minimum of 21.

Ms Breha told the jury at Southwark Coroner's Court that her partner's family and friends also did not share his history with her.

She added: "Obviously when I met his family, none of them ever mentioned he was a danger to kids.

"Also I met his friends who had kids, he was around many kids.

"I never, ever had any concerns that he could harm anyone."

The mother paid tribute to her "beautiful" boy at Monday's hearing.

In a statement read out by chief coroner Andrew Harris, the jury heard: "There is no tragedy in life like the death of a child.

"He was smart with so much potential.

"He was my world and I am so angry someone took this away from me."

The inquest continues.