Plea for unity as rubbish left by wake causes fury
UPSET OVER PARK GATHERING IN TRIBUTE TO RAPPER SHOT DEAD
A COMMUNITY has been urged to ‘come together’ following ‘outrageous’ criticism of family and friends mourning the death of a young rapper killed in a shooting last month.
Miguel Reynolds, 21, formerly of Whalley Range and Moss Side, died after being blasted in the neck on Merseyside.
Last week a wake attended by hundreds of mourners was held for Mr Reynolds, who performed under the alias ‘Lil Gwop Boy,’ at Alexandra Park in Whalley Range.
After the event, pictures of piles of rubbish left behind were widely shared on social media, leading to a flood of criticism.
But now councillor Lee-Ann Igbon, a friend of Mr Reynold’s family, has hit back saying the community should ‘promote cohesion not hatred.’
The Hulme councillor also revealed Mr Reynolds’ family have offered to help pay for the clean-up of the ‘unacceptable’ rubbish.
Writing on Facebook, Coun Igbon said: “Unfortunately, negative comments and assumptions were made about the family, friends and community of Miguel Reynolds.
“I have been asked to engage on behalf of the family.
“Unfortunately this wasn’t a party, but a wake. Miguel Reynolds was shot in the neck and murdered.
“As he grew up in the area, the family thought this would be a great opportunity to celebrate his life.
“It is totally unacceptable how the rubbish was left and not collected. This was unforeseen as the family couldn’t get in touch with the park staff.
“They have taken full responsibility and want to reimburse for the collection.
“People were mourning the death of a young man, so they where emotionally distressed.
“This doesn’t take away the condition of the area but the empathy, negativity and assassination of people’s character is outrageous.
“It is out of order. Communities are meant to come together.
“We need to learn from this and promote cohesion, not hatred.
“I spoke to the head of parks to stress my concerns and apologise for the family.”
A tenth person was arrested by murder detectives probing Mr Reynold’s death on Saturday.
He was shot in Netherton, on June 7.
Nine people have been questioned in connection with the incident, but nobody has been charged.