Wall of silence hits double murder probe

POLICE APPEAL FOR HELP TO CATCH KILLER

MURDER squad detectives have identified 189 people who were at the Moss Side lockdown party that ended in double murder – but none have admitted to witnessing the gunman firing the fatal shots.

Some are refusing to speak to police and one even ran away when officers visited his house, the M.E.N. can reveal.

A gunman blasted Cheriff Tall, 21, and Abayomi Ajose, 36, in the head at the rowdy party in a car park off Caythorpe Street just before 1am on June 21. It is believed Mr Ajose, a support worker and married dad-ofthree, stepped in to help Mr Tall, a much-loved son who had ambitions to become a pilot or join the Army, when the latter became involved in an argument with the gunman. Both men were shot at close range in the head.

It is believed the gunman travelled north to attend the lockdown party in Moss Side with his partner.

Police have arrested a woman of 32 in Birmingham on suspicion of double murder but released her on bail pending further inquiries.

Detectives have a prime suspect, a man from Birmingham with a ‘criminal background,’ but he is on the run.

An estimated 300 people were at the event. Detectives have identified 189 people who were there either by their name or nickname. Of those, police have spoken to 159 but so far, if anyone saw the shooting, they have not admitted it.

Chief Insp Stuart Wilkinson, who is leading the manhunt, told the M.E.N.: “We have visited most of them. Within there, there are some eyewitnesses who are either refusing to meet us or reluctant to tell us exactly what’s gone on.

“There’s frustration because obviously we’ve got two families who’ve got to deal with the devastation of having murdered loved ones. On top

Much-loved son Cheriff Tall, left, and family man support worker Abayomi Ajose were shot dead

of that, I’m going to have to tell them we’ve still not got people in the community who are prepared to step up and tell us what’s gone on and give them some justice.”

Police have gathered footage of the party but suspect there will be much more footage they have not yet uncovered of the shooting itself.

Chief Insp Wilkinson said he understood why people were reluctant to give evidence in court.

“I totally accept that they will be scared,” he said, explaining that potential witnesses could give evidence from behind screens, be granted anonymity or even go into witness protection. People who have

come forward have told police they heard gunshots but did not see them being fired.

Chief Insp Wilkinson said: “I understand that fear factor with the police in Moss Side. There might be a lack of confidence in the police but it’s just about trying to encourage people to come forward and have a chat with us and tell us what they know and then we can discuss what options we have in ways of presenting evidence in court and giving them some protection.”

Anyone with information can call police on 0161 856 9908, quoting incident number 221 of 21/06/2020 – or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.